Science College outplayed St.Peter’s College at their own backyard in their final match of the season, winning with 3 points to 34.
We are into the last week matches of this year’s schools rugby season. St.Peter’s College hosted Science College in their final match this season. Home side was under a bit of pressure after been stunned last week by the Thomians. Science College on the other hand was getting better and better by the game, having won against the mighty Josephians the momentum was on their side.
Peterites looked favorites from the outset but the boys from Mt.Lavinia were up to the challenge. Thanuja Maduranga kicked off proceedings. The home side was being rusty upfront. Science on the other hand was looking more focused in creating another upset this season. Seven minutes into the game the visitors drew first blood through a penalty. N.U.Perera turned over the ball and made good ground and won his team a penalty. Maduranga made it look easy as he converted it into three points. (SC 3-0 SPC)
St.Peter’s bounced back soon afterwards. After a good passage of play by the home side, they managed to force an error from the visitors. Nishon Perera put the home side on the scorecard. (SC 3-3 SPC)
Even though St Peter’s College came back, their playing seemed to be below par right throughout the first half. Science College kept on finding blind holes and kept pushing hard at the Peter’s defense. Science College finally managed to turn the match onto their favor. NU Perera made good ground after getting the ball from a line out and passed the ball to their winger Tharindu Maduranga who scored his first try for the match. Thanuja Maduranga’s conversion was successful. (SC 10-3 SPC)
St Peter’s had the chance in closing the deficit but Sandesh Jayawickrama missed the penalty just outside the 22′. First half ended with Science leading 10 points to 3.
Sandesh Jayawickrama kicked off proceedings in the second half. Peterites looked a much better side at the beginning of the second half; their captain Kevin Dixon leading from the front, making good ground for his side and getting the crowd behind them. Just as they were trying to control the game Science bounced back and scored their second try of the game. This time it was RD Silva who ran around the Peterite captain to score his first try of the match. Thanuja Maduranga was yet again successful in his conversion. (SC 17-SPC 3)
Peterites managed to get deep into Science territory but failed to get the points on the board. Visitors made life harder for the home side when they went over the line for the third time. It was their winger Tharindu Maduranga who gathered the ball which was chipped by Thanuja Maduranga deep into St.Peter’s half. Conversion wasn’t successful this time. (SC 22-SPC 3)
The home side was under tremendous pressure. They needed a very strong comeback. Science College had other ideas; they did not let the home side get through their defense easily. Science College wasn’t done yet. They took advantage out of almost all the chances they were given. Clock was ticking as Science College scored their fourth try and took the game away from the home side. This time it was AS Dilshan who went over the try line after a good scrum on the 5m line. Conversion was yet again successful adding more misery to the St.Peter’s camp. (SC 29-SPC 3)
The Peterites lacked coordination in the field right throughout the match. This led their opponents to find blind holes easily and attack them with their forwards and their fast runners. It was a whole different side after their win against Trinity College.
Science College on the other hand was growing in confidence match after match. Even though they got beaten by few teams at the start they didn’t put their heads down, coach Colin made sure his boys keep their hopes up and finish this year’s season in a high. Minutes before the final whistle the visitors managed get over the line yet again. It was their winger again Tharindu Maduranga who completed his hat-trick when he ran through the Peterite defense. (SC 34-SPC 3)
ThePapare Man of the Match: Tharindu Maduranga (Science College)
Science College scorers
Tharindu Maduranga – 3 tries
RD Silva – 1 try
AS Dilshan – 1 try
Thanuja Maduranga – 1 penalty 3 conversions
St.Peter’s College scorers
Nishon Perera – 1 penalty
