St. Peter’s College overcame a spirited challenge from newly promoted Ananda College to claim a 38-22 victory in their opening week fixture of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at the St. Peter’s College Grounds in Bambalapitiya.
Defending champions St. Peter’s College welcomed Ananda College to kick off their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025. The game remained scoreless until the 13th minute when Ananda won a penalty and opted to kick for touch. However, the kick was overcooked by Deneth Chamuditha. From the resulting scrum, St. Peter’s spread the ball from left to right with slick handling by their backs, progressing into the Ananda half. A swift switch back to the left saw Senuth Dinsara step inside and find a gap in the visitors’ defense, slicing through to score under the posts. Fly-half Ashok Krishan slotted the easy conversion. (SPC 07-00 AC)
Despite it being their first game in the top division, Ananda College showed patience and composure. They earned another penalty and this time found touch inside the 5-metre line. Using a four-man lineout, they quickly set up a rolling maul that caught the Peterites off guard. Janithu Perera crashed over from the back of the maul, with Chamuditha nailing the conversion to level the scores. (SPC 07-07 AC)
St. Peter’s continued to back their running game, launching attacks from deep in their own half. Winger Nethushan Manthusha gained valuable ground before attempting a chip over Chamuditha, the Ananda fullback. But Chamuditha charged it down, collected the loose ball cleanly, and ran in unchallenged to score Ananda’s second try. He converted his own try to give the visitors a surprising lead. (SPC 07-14 AC)
Trailing by seven, the Peterites responded immediately. From a quick tap inside their own 5-metre line, they spread the ball wide and attacked down the flank. Winger Diwanka Jayarathne made a break and linked up with Emith Jayaweera, who then found inside centre Pramuka Adithya. Adithya drew in defenders before sending the ball back to Jayaweera, who dived over under the posts. Krishan added the conversion to bring the scores level again. (SPC 14-14 AC)
With momentum shifting, the Peterite backline found their rhythm. Crisp passing created space for winger Nethushan Manthusha, who raced around the Ananda defense to score their third try, once again under the posts. Krishan added the extras. (SPC 21-14 AC)
Moments later, it was Senuth Dinsara’s individual brilliance that lit up the game. He broke through the Ananda defense with power and pace, fending off the last defender to score his second try of the match. Krishan continued his perfect run from the tee. (SPC 28-14 AC)
Despite absorbing heavy pressure from St. Peter’s, Ananda finished the half on a high. Kicking a penalty to the corner, they formed a full lineout maul using all eight forwards. The drive gained momentum and eventually Seymal Wimalasuriya crashed over from the back to narrow the deficit at halftime.
Half Time: St. Peter’s College 28 (4T,4C) – Ananda College 19 (3T,2C)
The pace of the game slowed significantly in the second half as the free-flowing rugby from the Peterites in the first half faded into a more stop-start affair. Ananda College began the half with renewed purpose, dominating possession in the early stages. They were awarded a penalty for an offside infringement, which fullback Deneth Chamuditha calmly slotted over to bring his side within a single score. (SPC 28-22 AC)
Ananda’s forwards continued to test the Peterite defense with a series of pick-and-drive moves. Despite sustained pressure, the Peterites stood firm, repelling multiple phases without conceding points.
Eventually, St. Peter’s turned the tables with a similar approach. Their forwards methodically worked their way upfield with well-structured phases. The pressure paid off when Revon Perera powered through a couple of Ananda defenders with a strong carry to score the opening try of the second half. (SPC 33-22 AC)
Ananda stayed committed to their forward-driven strategy, but the defending champions’ defensive discipline and organization held strong. In the final moments of the match, the Peterite backs added a flourish as they spread the ball wide, creating space for Pasan Pamuditha to dive over in the corner and seal a confidence-boosting win for the hosts.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 38 (6T,4C) – Ananda College 22 (3T,2C,1P)
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Senuth Dinsara (St. Peter’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Peter’s College 38
Senuth Dinsara 2T, Emith Jayaweera 1T, Nethushan Manthusha 1T, Revon Perera 1T, Pasan Pamuditha 1T, Ashok Krishan 4C
Ananda College 22
Janithu Perera 1T, Seymal Wimalasuriya 1T, Deneth Chamuditha 1T,2C,1P.
