The boys from Bambalapitiya have always been a force to reckon with in the schools’ rugby arena but they haven’t been able produce a champion outfit of late. With a young outfit this season, the ‘Bamba Brigade’ will strive towards securing a much needed league title for their alma-mater.
Blast from the Past
With the privilege of being one of the first four schools to play rugby in Sri Lanka, St Peter’s College started their rugby journey way back in 1932 under the captaincy of Lim Billimoria. Since then the school has been a humble servant of rugby to this beautiful island. St Peter’s has produced legendary players like Archibald Perera, Darrel Wimalarathna, Frank Hubert and many more who have donned the blue, white and gold jersey.
Of late, St. Peter’s has produced players in the likes of Danushka Ranjan, the highest try scorer in the most recently concluded Club Rugby League, Dulaj Perera, the highest points scorer of the same, Nishon Perera, Kevin Dixon, Sharo Fernando , Banuka Nanayakkara, Anuradha Herath, Sandun Herath , Suhiru Anthony and Lee Keegal.
Last Season
The first half of the season was a bit shaky but the Peter-ites improved immensely by the end of the season. They finished 5th in the league and losing in the semifinals of the knockouts meant that they couldn’t claim any silverware for the year 2016.
St. Peter’s efforts on the field were rewarded when skipper Diyath Fernando and Theekshana Dissanayake were picked in the Junior Tuskers Under 18 7s team. Sandesh Jayawickrama and Ravin Yapa went on to represent the Under 19 Junior Tuskers.
With more than 10 Seniors leaving the team this year, this young squad will have to take up more responsibility if they are to do better than last season.
Players to watch out for:
Diyath Fernando will lead the Bamba Bridge this year .His speed and skills will be tested throughout the season as he will be the key to St. Peter’s fortunes. It will be interesting to see in which position he plays, Centre or Full back.
Stephan Sivaraj has been the unsung hero of this Peterite outfit. Outstanding with his boot and with his hands too, he will be the catalyst in decision making for the Peterites.
Theekshana Heshan, the try scoring machine for the Peterites is another important match winner and will be expected to score regularly this season. The power, speed and ability to counter attack the opposition will make a massive impact to the game.
Angelo Mendis will lead the forwards this time around. He is expected to either play as a flanker or at No 08. His turnovers in the breakdown and his experience will be advantage for this young team. He is a good ball carrier and will be a vital asset in the scrums for the Peterites.
Coaching staff
Experience coach Colin Denish will coach the Peterites for the second consecutive year while Henry Terrance will be second in command. Coach Colin knows the players well and he will look to make the most of the players he has at his disposal.
“So far we started our pre season really well, we did our basics and played few friendlies and we will do the season well” Diyath Fernando
“Pre-season preparation was very good, we had a mission this year and we have achieved our goals in the pre-season, not only the Rector’s cup all the participant in the A division is very competitive, so we don’t take any side lightly” Collin Denish
Squad 2017
