St. Peters College took on traditional rivals St. Josephs College today in both teams second encounter of the schools rugby league 2013.
Referee Dilroy Fernando’s whistle set the action off at CR & FC as the formidable Peterite outfit under the captaincy of Shan Weerakkody took on the invigorated Josephian team captained by human wrecking Junior national cap, Jason Melder.
Minutes in to what was a promising thriller of a game, the Josephians struck first, scoring a try through a series of well executed “pick and drives” and aggressive forwards play which saw Stephen Gregory going over the goal line. However Dulith Fernando failed with the conversion.
The Josephians capitalizing on the dormant state of offensive play shown by the Peterites, struck again through Captain Jason Melder who added the finishing touches to a dozen phases of well orchestrated forwards play, by cannon- balling through the Peterite defence and Dulith Fernando yet again sent the ball wide of the up-rights.
The embers of the fiery Peterite attacking prowess began to emerge as fullback Kevin Dexon who had a safe day under the high ball alongside No8 Anuradha Herath, struck hard on the offence eager to drive back the spirited Josephian defense.
The Petes burly inside center Dilanka Perera penetrated the determined Joephian defence to open the scoring for the Peterites. Dilanka who had a stellar outing against SACK did not display much of his promised potential as one of the largest centers in this year’s schools circuit.
After many phases of excruciating defense put up by the Josephians, the Pete full back Kevin managed to muscle his way to the try line completing an ecstatic array of supportive running rugby. The conversion by C.Jerome sailed through.
It was just minutes before half time when Joes fly-half Dulith Fernando sold the Pete defense a classic dummy and weaved his way over the goal line. The conversion attempted by Shamilka Kurumbalapitiya went astray. Ref Dilroy Fernando concluded the first half leaving the Josephians leading 15-12
The second half kicked off with the Peterites throwing all but the kitchen sink at the Josephians who defended their goal line with great determination. The Josephian backs displayed some impressive defensive play as they there intent on caging the rampant Peters backs.
The Josephians spare a paltry penalty which the Peterites shoot through the posts to even the game at 15-15 This is when the pressure on both teams begin to build.
Pete No8 Anuradha Herath pops the lid off the crowd scoring a try by the corner set up by good hands and support play. This is when the flood gates break open as the Petes amass a hefty score of 43-15 points by the final whistle not allowing the Joes the privilege of crossing their goal line again. The Josephian full back Shamilka Kurumbulapitiya’s desperate attempt of scorching the grass for a breakaway try was the closest the Josephians came as they fell short of victory. St Peters college won 43-15
Despite the disappointing outcome Josephian captain Jason Melder had an outstanding game as his gargantuan presence was felt throughout the match. Surely even by referee Dilroy Fernando whom he managed to knock over during a hulking maneuver. Peterites Anuradha Herath and Kevin Dexon had and outstanding game as well as they showed a lot of dominance and skill in their respective positions.
The Peterites continue their winning ways as the second week of the singer schools rugby tournament is concluded. Both the teams despite the outcome of this encounter would have to hone their skills and treat their weaknesses as the storm of excitement is still brewing as the league title is still anyones for the taking.
