Unbeaten Peterites march towards league title
Defending champions St. Peter’s College showcased their resilience and determination with a remarkable second-half burst to secure a 37-28 victory over Trinity College in their Dialog Schools Rugby League Super Round match played at Bambalapitiya yesterday. The win not only keeps St. Peter’s their unbeaten record intact, but also highlights their ability to overcome adversity in high-pressure situations.
The hosts faced immense pressure as they trailed 12-13 at halftime, with Trinity taking the upper hand through a combination of tactical play and precise kicking. However, St. Peter’s turned the tables in the second half, adding 25 points to their tally, ultimately outmaneuvering their formidable opponents.
Centre Vishenka Silva goes past the Trinity defence to score one of his two tries - Pic by Eshan Fernando
The match began with a promising start for St. Peter’s, as centre Vishenka Silva, the tournament’s leading scorer, crossed the line in the 13th minute with a brilliant left-corner try, giving his team a 5-0 lead. However, Trinity swiftly responded, displaying their kicking prowess. Flyhalf Yewan Hulangamuwa slotted a penalty in the 16th minute, reducing the deficit to 5-3. Just two minutes later, Trinity forward Udeesha Rathnayake penetrated St. Peter’s defense with a powerful run, scoring a try that was converted by Hulangamuwa, putting Trinity ahead 10-5.
Trinity continued to build momentum, with Hulangamuwa adding another penalty in the 22nd minute to extend their lead to 13-5. St. Peter’s, however, refused to back down, as No.8 and skipper Dulaj Navodya scored a crucial try under the posts. The successful conversion brought the score to 13-12, just one point separating the two teams at halftime.
The second half saw Trinity extending their lead with a penalty soon after the resumption, but St. Peter’s responded with unwavering determination. In the 44th minute, Pasindu Bandara made a brilliant move down the left flank, scoring a try that put St. Peter’s back in front at 17-16, despite the missed conversion. Flyhalf Rahul Peter then added a penalty in the 53rd minute, giving St. Peter’s a four-point cushion.
However, the match took another twist when flyhalf Shan Althaf scored a fantastic try for Trinity in the 56th minute, temporarily swinging the game back in their favour at 21-20. St. Peter’s, undeterred, struck back with another penalty from Peter in the 63rd minute, regaining the lead at 23-21.
A minute later, centre Ranindu Rithmal showcased his skill with a brilliant try, followed by a successful conversion from Peter, extending St. Peter’s lead to 30-21. Trinity, however, refused to go down without a fight, as stand-in skipper Thisanga Dissanayake scored a try in the 64th minute, narrowing the gap to 30-28.
As the clock ticked down, the match hung in the balance, but it was St. Peter’s who delivered the final blow. Vishenka Silva, in a moment of brilliance, scored his second try of the match in the dying moments. Peter’s successful conversion sealed the victory as St. Peter’s retained the Gen. Dennis Perera Memorial Trophy with the final score of 37-28.