St. Peter’s College have failed to get the better out of Royal College for the past 5 years, having not won since 2013, will the Peterites manage to dismantle a highflying Royal outfit this time around?
- When: 30th March 2019
- Where: St. Peter’s Grounds, Bambalapitiya.
- Kick-off: 4pm
The hosts of the 2019 encounter have failed to record a win in 5 years and a result is over-due if you’re a St Peter’s fan.
On the other hand, Royal College has dominated the encounter and they will no doubt be hoping for more of the same as the two top dogs from group A battle it out for the B.C. Anghie trophy.
Past Results
- 2018 – Royal College beat St. Peter’s College 32-13
- 2017 – Royal College beat St. Peter’s College 17-10
- 2016 – Royal College beat St. Peter’s College 33-24
- 2015 – Royal College beat St. Peter’s College 36-25
Last time they met
In 2018, the last game of the season, Royal needed a win to retain the League. And a 32-13 win is what they managed, dismantling the Pete’s at home, winning the B.C. Anghie trophy and the coveted League title.
The Royalists outplayed the Peterites in every aspect of the game, as Sanath Martis’ former team got the better out of his current chargers, handing them a royal drubbing at the Complex.
Most recent encounter
St. Peter’s College dominated Wesley College at Longdon place, defeating the Les-Blue in convincing fashion to stake a claim for the top spot in their group.
The visitors were unstoppable, as their forwards a well as backs got on the scoresheet to record their 4th straight win of the 2019 campaign, making their final round robin fixture a decider for top of the table birth.
Read : St. Peter’s ease past a hapless Wesley outfit
Royal College were put through their paces, however, the defending champions managed to hang on for a hard-fought win in their previous encounter against Kingswood College at Nittawela.
The Royalists were pushed on numerous occasions, but their superior defensive show meant that there was no way through for the home team, who managed just 4-penalties as they faced yet another defeat in the 2019 season.
Read More : Royal hold their nerve to finish off resurgent Kingswood
Players to watch out for
Thulaib Hassan’s name always comes up regularly as the captain has lead from the front, displaying his quality as not only a leader but as a player as well. His work in both attack and defense has assisted his team immensely in remaining unbeaten and he’s no doubt a man to have a close eye on.
Full back Dulan Gunawardene is another backline player who has been key for the Royalists and his work ethic has been pivotal in Royal’s performances this season.
St Peter’s speedster Raveen Fernando has been in sublime touch for his school throughout the season. His great vein of form has been vital in their unbeaten run up to this stage and this will be another game he will aim to put on a show.
No.8 Bilal Hilmy will have a mammoth task at hand this Saturday. Royal College, known for their dominant, big forwards, will have to be stopped by hook or by crook and there will be no better person to do that other than Hilmy and his forward pack.
Predictions
The odds are stacked heavily in favor of the defending champions, however, if the hosts manage to disrupt the visitors early on, the Royal winning run may very well come to an end.
St. Peter’s to win by 3-8 points
