It was a fine start to the schools rugby season when St. Peter’s dominated the set pieces with skill to beat favourites Isipathana by 27 points (2 goals, 2 tries and a penalty) to 8 (1 penalty, 1 try) at Havelock Park yesterday.
Dhanuska Ranjan of Isipathana is on his way to score against St. Peter’s at Havelock Park. |
The conditions underfoot were not conducive for open rugby but the Peterites grabbed all the opportunities that came their way to record this win. At the breather St. Peter’s led 15-3.
Isipathana showed early promise when flaf half Prasad Devinda fired over a penalty and enjoyed a 3-0 lead which was however short lived.
St. Peter’s burst into the forefront with some good forwards play where they carried the ball even though there were instances of selfish play.
Centre three-quarter Bhanuka Nanayakkara showed a rare turn of speed to cut across the advancing Isipathana ‘green shirts’ to slice through and score twice and the other Peterite centre Dhanushka Ranjan thrilled all those who braved the weather with a neat 90 metre run to score by the posts and Dulaj Perera was on target with the conversion. Earlier Dulaj Perera also put over a penalty for the Peterites.
Isipathana showed their prowess in the field in fits and starts and they were at no time a threat to the well drilled Peterite outfit.
Their tries were scored by No 8 Tharindu Siriwardena which came during injury time.
The Peterites dominated the scrums and Isipathana were way ahead in the lineouts.
Referee: Irshad Cader |
E-mail
