St. Peter’s College on yet another occasion showcased their rock solid defence as they kept a fighting Wesley College at bay to win their inter-school rugby knock-out match at the Royal Complex ground in Colombo yesterday.
The Peterites won 23-20 as they were forced into defending their line in the last six minutes of play with Wesley threatening to go over and cause a major upset against the defending champions. St. Peter’s scored 23 points from two tries, two conversions and three penalties while Wesley scored their points from three tries, one conversion and a penalty. If only Wesley had a reliable place kicker then they may have finished winners.
Reduced to 13 players through yellow cards, the Peterites took a half time lead of 13-8 and opened out in the second half when their dashing winger Vishanka Silva sprinted some 60 metres to touch down for his 17th try of the season.
Raul Denish converted to give the Peterites 20 points against Wesley’s 8 points.
St. Peter’s earned another penalty and Raul Denish stretched the lead 23-8.
But Wesley hit back strongly to score two tries and reduce the lead 23-20 as Kaveesha Dilhara crossed the line to touch down followed by Pavan Thiranagame barging over.
Wesley then went on the offensive time and again but unfortunately could not penetrate the Peterite defence that stood like concrete. The start of the match indicated an unstoppable win for the Peterites when scrum half Salith Gallage sneaked through the Wesley defence to touch down almost unchallenged for their first try for Raul Denish to convert after Wesley scrum half Adeep Yousuf scored.
Gihan Yatawara refereed.
