Royal College mounted a spirited second-half comeback to clinch a nail-biting 27-24 victory over St. Peter’s College, securing the prestigious B. C. Anghie Trophy in their opening second-round clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at St. Peter’s College Grounds, Bambalapitiya.
The game began with an early miscue as Peterite Skipper Vishenka Silva’s kickoff failed to travel the required 10 meters, handing Royal immediate possession. The visitors capitalised on this, dominating territory and possession. After earning a penalty at the breakdown, they kicked to the corner, setting up a series of close-range phases. Flanker Althaf Aman eventually powered over to open the scoring for Royal. (SPC 00-05 RC)
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St. Peter’s quickly responded, finding their rhythm and asserting dominance through their powerful rolling maul. Though Shenuka Perera was held up over the line, the pressure soon paid off. The Peterite forwards gained valuable ground before second-rower Revone Perera crashed over for their first try. Pasan Pamuditha slotted the conversion, giving the hosts a narrow lead. (SPC 07-05 RC)
Despite conceding, Royal swiftly regained the lead. A misjudged pass from the Peterite backline allowed Royal to counter-attack, bringing play deep into Peterite territory. They earned a penalty at the breakdown, and Idris Farouk made no mistake from the tee. (SPC 07-08 RC)
St. Peter’s once again hit back through their dangerous backline. A fluid move from left to right saw Pamuditha carve through the Royal defense with an impressive 40-meter run. He was brought down near the 5-meter line, and off the next phase, Nethushan Manthusha sold a brilliant dummy to beat the last defender and score. Pamuditha added the conversion, extending the Peterites’ lead. (SPC 14-08 RC)
Just before Half Time, Royal suffered a blow as Vositha Sithumina was yellow-carded for dangerous play.
Half Time: St. Peter’s College 14 (2T,2C) – Royal College 08 (1T,1P)
Royal returned with renewed purpose in the second half and immediately put the home side under pressure. Peterite flanker Harshara Madugalle was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements. The visitors took full advantage, executing a slick backline move as Farouk’s inside pass found Skipper Amika Samarasinghe running a perfect line to score. Farouk added the extras. (SPC 14-15 RC)
With momentum firmly behind them, Royal continued to exploit Peterite indiscipline. A rolling maul took them close before Disas Pathirana broke away and brought play within striking distance. Hooker Imthizal Nazeer then powered through multiple defenders to score, with Farouk adding a tough conversion. (SPC 14-22 RC)
St. Peter’s had a chance to narrow the gap but missed a crucial penalty, allowing Royal to maintain their offensive. A long cutout pass from Disas Pathirana found flanker Senuja Ranasinghe, who skillfully kept the ball in play before offloading to Skipper Samarasinghe. He then powered over for his second try, securing the bonus point. (SPC 14-27 RC)
The Peterites finally found their rhythm, with their forwards executing a series of patient pick-and-drives. The ball was then distributed to scrum-half Jamal Wahab, who had shifted to fly-half for the final ten minutes. Wahab spotted a gap in the Royal defense and weaved through to score. (SPC 19-27 RC)
Royal was reduced to fourteen men once more when Mohomad Simak received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. From their own try line, the Peterites launched an attack. Nethushan Manthusha broke through, advancing play close to the 10-meter mark. After a few more phases, Skipper Vishenka Silva muscled his way over for a bonus-point try. However, it was too little, too late as Royal successfully held on to secure the victory and the B. C. Anghie Trophy.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 24 (4T,2C) – Royal College 27 (4T,2C,1P)
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Naqeeb Mohamed (Royal College)
Points Breakdown
St. Peter’s College 24
Revone Perera 1T, Nethshan Manthusha 1T, Jamal Wahab 1T, Vishenka Silva 1C, Pasan Pamuditha 2C .
Royal College 27
Althaf Aman 1T, Amika Samarasinghe 2T, Imthizal Nazeer 1T, Idris Farouk 2C,1P
