Jayawickrama stunner seals St. Peter’s winning start
Centre Suresh Jayawickrama knew he had done it for St. Peter’s no sooner intercepting Royal’s line – Pic by Eshan Fernando
Centre Suresh Jayawickrama was the toast of St. Peter’s supporters as his last-minute try, having intercepted Royal, enabled his side to pull off a well deserving, yet close 11-5 win in their first game of the Dialog Under-19 Schools Rugby Tournament at Bambalapitiya yesterday.
St. Peter’s, after holding on to a slender 3-0 lead at halftime, made up their points through a try and two penalties to the solitary try scored by Royal. The first session of proceedings turned out to be a drab affair as mistakes were galore from both sides. But it was hosts St. Peter’s who dominated, after having the privilege of idling in the Royal territory for most part, yet without success of turning their efforts into points.
Even though they were in the attack what they were unable to achieve was to breach their opponent’s defence, and in the process they missed out on plenty of scoring opportunities. It took a good 22 minutes for the first scoring to be done and that too came through a penalty which St. Peter’s centre Umeth Shihara booted over with ease.
From there the two sides shared honours and 10 minutes later Royal missed out an opportunity of equalizing after fullback Nabil Yahya kicked astray a penalty that was offered. It was followed with the short whistle St. Peter’s holding on to a slender 3-0 lead.
In contrast, after the change of ends, Royal came on to the field with a different game plan, making sporadic moves and giving the Peterites some torrid moments. They succeeded to force a five-metre scrum in the 46th minute as scum half Akram Farouk crept through for a try. But Yusuf’s conversion went astray.
St. Peter’s, undeterred, took up the challenge to penetrate the Royal territory and in a melee saw them being offered a penalty in the 61st minute. Centre Shihara made no mistake to help St. Peter’s regain the lead 6-5.
From there on it was a hotly contested affair before Jayawickrama dashed the hopes of the entire Royal fraternity in presence, as he shrewdly intercepted a pass and sprinted nearly 15 metres to brace an unconverted try. This gave the Peterites a winning start and also helped them retain the B.C. Anghie trophy Memorial Trophy.
Referee Ishanka Abeykoon
