St. Peter’s College achieved a thrilling victory over their arch-rivals St. Joseph’s College via a tense penalty shoot-out in the 31st Josephian – Peterite traditional Football encounter, which took place on June 27th 2025, at the CR&FC grounds. After 90 minutes and 1–1 on the scoreboard, the Peterites, cool under pressure, prevailed from the penalty spot to lift the trophy.
Coming into the game, St. Joseph’s were clear favourites, having fielded a side that had advanced to the Semi Finals of the All-Island Schools Football Championship earlier in the season. St. Peter’s, considered the underdogs, were determined to prove they could match the highly rated Josephian squad, and they did exactly that with a disciplined, resilient performance.
The match started with plenty of fervour, as both teams looked to assert their authority from the get-go. St. Peter’s struck first in the 15th minute, and an ordinary free kick from the Peterites turned into a disaster for the Josephians after their goalkeeper misread the ball under pressure. Peterite Skipper Devin Ravichandraraj pounced on the loose ball and calmly slotted it into the back of the net. The early score lifted the Peterite supporters and set the stage for an exciting battle.
Despite the deficit, St. Joseph’s regained their composure and nearly professed an equaliser in the 30th minute. A brilliant save from the Peterite goalkeeper, who was outstanding all evening, ensured the Peterites held their lead going into the second half. As the half wore on, the contest became noticeably more physical. The Peterites had to be careful defensively and picked up cautions in their attempts to keep the Josephian forwards at bay.
Half Time: St Peter’s College 01-00 St Joseph’s College (Ravichandraraj 15’)
In the second half, the Josephians continued to press forward in search of an equaliser. Their determination finally paid off in the 60th minute when a handball inside the box from the Peterite defence allowed Royson Bright to slot in an easy penalty to equalise the score at 1-1 for St Joseph’s College, bringing them right back into the game.
Once the match was back level, the last 20 minutes kicked off at a frenetic pace. Both teams had half-chances but couldn’t find the back of the net in regulation time. The Peterites did well defensively by remaining compact and relied on their goalkeeper’s command of the box to snuff out danger, while the Josephians pressed ahead looking for opportunities to score. With a final whistle verifying a 1-1 draw, the match would go to penalties.
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The shootout displayed the poise and mental strength of the Peterite side. Their number one came through once again, making a crucial save that more or less sealed the deal for the Peterites, and his teammates were left with the easy task of slotting their following kicks to the back of the net. The Peterites delivered with the rest of their kicks, winning 05-03 on penalties, players and supporters alike surged forward in jubilation, achieving an unforgettable win on an evening that both teams showed their skill and mental toughness.
For St. Peter’s College, Captain Devin Ravichandraraj shone with his captaincy and relentless commitment. Among Josephian ranks, Sithuka Handige was the brightest star, consistently creating chances and threatening to finish. Ultimately, the hero of the night was Mohamed Mishkadh, the Peterite goalkeeper who was named the most valuable player; his saves in regulation and the shootout ensured that his teammates would be lifting the trophy at the end of the evening.
The 31st annual battle of the Josephians and Peterites was an affair to remember, with its intensity, drama, and narrow margins that separated two great schools of pride and tradition.
Full Time: St Peter’s College 01 (Ravichandraraj 15’) – St Joseph’s College 01(Bright 60’)
(St Peter’s College won on penalties 05 – 03 St Joseph’s College)
