St. Peter’s College survived a tense late comeback from a determined Science College outfit to secure a hard-fought 29-23 victory in their third-week clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at the St. Peter’s College Grounds in Bambalapitiya.
The hosts made an early statement. Straight from the kickoff, Science College were awarded a scrum following a knock-on by the Peterites. However, the home side overpowered them at the set-piece, forcing a turnover. Moments later, they won a penalty, and scrum-half Rehan Shaheed was quick to react—tapping and sending tighthead prop Januth Rathnayake crashing over the line to open the scoring in just the second minute. Rajith Geon added the extras. (SPC 07-00 SC)
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Both teams then exchanged attacking phases in a tightly contested first quarter, but neither side could convert pressure into points. That changed in the 24th minute when St. Peter’s College struck again—this time through a powerful rolling maul that drove over ten meters. A string of patient forward carries followed before loosehead prop Ashaz Farrok powered over to extend the lead. (SPC 12-00 SC)
Science College responded with renewed purpose, capitalising on Peterite indiscipline to earn back-to-back penalties. Skipper Dilruwan Perera stepped up on both occasions and calmly slotted them over to narrow the margin. (SPC 12-06 SC)
As the half drew to a close, the Peterites reasserted control. Another well-executed lineout provided a strong attacking platform. Although the initial maul was stopped short, persistent forward carries put Science on the back foot. The pressure eventually told, and with another penalty awarded, Shaheed again took a quick tap and fed Shenuka Perera, who blasted through the line to score under the posts. Geon made no mistake with the conversion, giving the Peterites a healthy cushion at the break.
Half Time: St. Peter’s College 19 (3T,2C) – Science College 06 (2P)
The home side picked up right where they left off after the break, unleashing a devastating rolling maul from the 22-meter line that rumbled deep into Science territory. With defenders drawn in, the ball was spread from right to left, creating space for winger Rajitha Geon to dive over in the corner for the bonus-point try. (SPC 24-06 SC)
Despite the growing deficit, Science College showed resilience. Their forwards mounted a series of strong carries to draw in the Peterite defense, and a slick backline move allowed centre Rithnuka Dabare to slice through and score. Captain Dilruwan Perera added the extras, reducing the gap to 11 points. (SPC 24-13 SC)
However, St. Peter’s were quick to respond. After stealing a lineout inside Science’s 22, they maintained control through a sequence of compact forward drives. Januth Rathnayake, already on the scoresheet, was unstoppable once again from close range as he powered over for his second try of the match. (SPC 29-13 SC)
Science, undeterred, launched a spirited comeback led by their inspirational skipper Perera. He took charge of proceedings, pushing the tempo and punishing Peterite mistakes. Following an offside call, Perera took a quick tap and darted over to score, then calmly slotted the conversion himself. (SPC 29-20 SC)
With momentum firmly in their favor, Science continued to press. Another Peterite penalty gave Perera a shot at the posts, and he made no mistake—bringing the visitors to within six points with time running out. (SPC 29-23 SC)
Science College mounted one final assault in the closing stages, throwing everything at the Peterite line in search of a dramatic late winner. However, the defending champions held their nerve and their ground to close out the game. It may not have been their most polished performance, but St. Peter’s College walked away with the full points and retained their unbeaten record. Meanwhile, Science College earned admiration for their grit, finishing with heads held high after pushing the champions to the brink.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 29 (5T,2C) – Science College 23 (2T,2C,3P)
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Shenuka Perera (St. Peter’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Peter’s College 29
Januth Rathnayake 2T, Ashaz Farook 1T, Shenuka Perera 1T, Rajith Geon 1T,2C.
Science College 23
Rithnuka Dabare 1T, Dilruwan Perera 1T,2C,3P
