MILO of Croton would have been proud of how St Peter’s won this year’s Knock-Out final. They outmuscled, outhustled and eventually ground out their traditional rivals in a gripping affair at the Colombo Racecourse.
It was so riveting, almost every single spectator on hand would have burst their brow about their temple, absorbing the drama which unfolded as both teams wrangled back and forth to bring home the MILO. In the end, the odds-on pop was rolled and delightfully so, giving St Peter’s a much-deserved victory. Given the amount of game breaking firepower Joes had, their derby rivals simply used their forwards to beat them through sheer hard work and determination.
Just like how the mythical Greek wrestler lumbered a great bull on his shoulders, coming back to bridge a twelve-point halftime deficit. Their forward pack with a lumbering yet effective driving maul did Joes over like grilled steak on a BBQ.
St Joseph’s, after taking a less than comfortable 17-5 lead at the half, declining a shot at goal just prior to it ending, would eventually have it come back to bite them where it hurt most. For what seemed like a game they would have performance managed to a victory, let slip to what was a mesmerizing come back, stunned the floodlights out of these Joes. The Petes took home the oversized and shiny trophy.
Given their reaction, it seemed the size of Everest. Such was the elation, exorcising their demons of their Fr. Basil Wirathunge defeat during the season proper. Having lost it, more specifically to fourteen men previously, at long last they made it count and found some redemption albeit at the very last hurdle, outside the regular season fixture.
Two crucial yellow cards against Joes and on both occasions, making the man down advantage count– scoring through well-constructed driving mauls. The first, somewhat unlucky and given that there was a TMO on hand, could have and should have been referred. It was a telling yet well-committed challenge from Tharindu De Alwis but Ref. Veranga thought he deserved a binning. That was a misfire.
There was plenty of niggles and in your face celebrations, some serious style bending from Gemunu Chethiya who hot-stepped at every given opportunity. Adding to the spectacle were several hefty collisions and driving tackles, making the crowd rise to their feet in excitement and anticipation. Making for that well-done steak and battered fish to digest, double quick– especially amongst the Josephian fans.
A beautiful playing surface and a raucous crowd who had allegedly warmed up (their voices) from eleven am was heard all around the stadium and on the worldwide stream. There were plenty of sponsor handed placards on promoting fair play and the crowd occasionally flashed them on demand.
It looked all set for an entertaining and thrilling finale to the season. Both teams lined up for their anthems after the introductions and we were set to rock and roll.
Not quite.
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After an elongated speech about the values of the game reminiscent of a Filipino political rally, followed by a rendition of a song about rugby spirit written and performed by what sounded like a straining walrus, to which by and large everyone showed little to no interest. All in all, it seemed like an eternity, we were then and only then, finally away!
Even on a very humid evening, given the hold up– both teams opted for a short warm-up, prior to kick off. It was rather an awkward pause and somewhat of a drag. Joes sporting their blue and white stripe, that of Western Province (South African currie cup jersey) and Petes in their lovely Blue, white and yellow strip. We were, finally, yes– finally, away!
A game of two halves: The first of two
It is such a cliché statement in rugby and how true would it prove to be. Joes on the back of very structured and patient offense won two back to back penalty goals, out of which the first was slotted and the second went astray.
In what is best described as a momentary lapse of concentration, instead of dotting down to force touch in goal from the missed kick– the Petes player retrieving the ball forgot to do so and threw a pass forward. A moment of horror and in the ensuing five-meter scrum, Joes gladly scored and converted. It was more or less a gift. They got lucky and made it count.
It was followed up by what was the highlight reel play of the game. The “fast style bender” of SL schoolboy rugby, Gemunu Chethiya, from about twenty-five meters out, shimmied, slowed down and then burst out of his tracks, leaving the defense for dead. His pace and footwork had too much gas and style for anyone. Dotting down, he gave the public and an online audience their monies worth.
The Josephians were on fire. Then came a crucial moment, in fact, the first of two. No game of rugby let alone this KO final is complete without a yellow card or two. Such are the times in world rugby.
Given that there was a TMO, a challenge which at normal pace seemed robust was promptly carded. It really should have been checked for potential foul play but wasn’t. This time around, SPC made the advantage count and dotted down in time, during the ten minutes.
Prior to the game, I tipped GC, arguably the best game breaker in the current SL schoolboy first fifteen to score a hat trick and it could have arrived in earnest. Whenever he touched the ball– an inevitable sense of anticipation of a try comes to motion. He had several chances, jinxing and stepping his way around many would be defenders. He got one, almost had two and another telling break later in the game could have been three (only to be isolated). It didn’t.
Just prior to halftime, hot on attack, Joes received a very kickable penalty. Given that they had sharpshooter Santhush Algama in their ranks–incredibly, they declined it and pursued more grilled meat, manioc, and pork curry. It never arrived and they tasted no success. The halftime whistle arrived on a held-up ball. Again, given there was a TMO, he wasn’t referred to– yet again. For better or worse, never mind, this being a final.
How crucial and foolhardy would that denial of a shot at goal prove? Fatal. Please keep reading.
The second half and the Bourne Supremacy
Spotting a twelve point lead at halftime, which in modern rugby is minimal. However, given that this was a winner takes all game, every point was critical.
The tide then turned instantly. Given the out wide defense was holding up, the Bamba team resorted to what they saw success with. The driving maul. Fondly referred to as a rolling maul. It was a combination of both. It wasn’t the smoothest and most streamlined but it didn’t need to be. Against a Joes forward pack, who looked clueless against anything remotely moving forward in a mass of human flesh with the ball tucked behind– fell apart in spectacular fashion.
Julian Charles who was in the thick of it started to impose his will. They quickly identified the Josephian weakness in their set piece and brutally exposed it. Initially in the first half, exiting their own twenty-two with ball in hand, against the wind, they now understood that pressing for lineouts allowed them to set up a perfect platform. Joes were awry and in panic mode. Everything they knew about defending set pieces had seemingly gone out the window.
Now, the crowd was in full voice. All the BBQ platter food had well and truly digested itself. The liquids, whatever they were, in full flow. It was supposedly, cups and cups of MILO– given that it was their party.
Then came another style bending moment from Gemunu Chethiya. He burnt half the opposition defense for speed and swerve. It was electric and all grease lightening. Unfortunately, given that he is too quick for everyone including his support players, got isolated and coughed up a penalty. Wimaladasa kicked to touch and then arrived the second most telling moment.
A second Joes yellow card for an illegal entry in defending another maul. Prop Shevon Gregory, did so by bypassing the behind most foot. It was cynical and desperate. They were down to fourteen men yet again. Surprise, surprise, they then conceded another unconverted try. The heat was on for young and old. Chef Charles and his restaurant manager Jason were cooking the perfect boil up. Girl fish and boy pork.
It must be noted that Peterite fullback Shehan Liyanapathirana who had a less than a stunning game was subbed out. There were several errors in fielding kick returns in either half before the inevitable change. Given that skipper Wimaladasa was on kicking duties it didn’t make much difference. In fact, it was he– Wimaladasa, who had missed three conversions prior, stepped up to the plate when it mattered most.
A number of attacking rucks, twelve in fact which was energy sapping and gut-busting, left an exposed left corner and with basic hands down the line, Petes scored a third. Julian Charles and his buddies were again, smashing through and making good, fastball available. On the thirteenth phase, they dotted down, yet again.
Joes, on the other hand, used a squeeze ball technique in rucks, wanting to slow the pace of the game, especially when down to fourteen men. It wasn’t clinical enough.
St Peter’s was now in full control. They had taken the game by the scruff of its neck. Their front five was bossing the breakdown and confident of ball carrying. Joes were struggling to force turnovers and had their confidence shot to pieces. The flow of the game stifled any opportunity the Darley road back three had. Unforced errors hurt them at pivotal points in time.
Wimaladasa then completed the comeback. Drawing level with their fourth try on the left wing through Jason Karunarathne, the Petes skipper stepped up to the plate and converted the most important goal of the game. Possibly his life. This gave them a slim two-point lead. That is all they required. It was a stunning comeback and a spectacular crash against and from the favorite. Rescuing and hauling St Peter’s from the brink of defeat and arriving at a red carpet premiere for their victory.
Joes did have an opportunity late in the game but it ended with a knock on as the referee blew full time. Jumping and leaping jack in the boxes for joy– it was an orgasmic celebration for the victors.
Joes for their part, unable to defend their Knock Out crown, sunk to their knees and their faces lost all emotion. Seemingly, they had planned for this very game to be the crowning glory of their season were unable to find their export quality rugby when it mattered. They were brave in defeat. Heroic, in fact. So goes the saying, “show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy”. This was theirs.
The agony of defeat and ecstasy of victory was upon us. It was undeniable and in a picture which painted one hundred thousand words. Possibly more.
This was some redemption for the saints from Colombo four. Spoils of victory to what was a long and hard toil in the season proper and an entertaining Knock Out. One which they will remember for some while to come and reminisce over and over.
As for Joes who was the bridesmaid for this years rugby wedding/league– yet again had to settle for the same in the honeymoon/KO for schools rugby 2018. St Peter’s who ended third in the league and played the bride’s sister stole the groom’s heart at the doorstep of the going away car. Then drove off happily, given the groom was a none participant to the honeymoon. Leaving the bride in tears at the hotel reception.
Taking this year’s KO which is best described– as the greatest comeback in the history of this tournament. All in all, it was the perfect three-way rugby wedding and single honeymoon. Although, not everyone goes home happy.
Moment of the match:
There were a few. However, one in particular with a sequence of critical events led to the game-changing moment. Gasman Gemunu Chethiya fields a kick return in the forty-sixth minute and makes another break into Pete’s twenty-two. He is so fast, ends up isolating himself and conceding a penalty (holding on). The Bamba team then kick for touch and get a further two penalties for illegal maul defense. The second where prop Gregory is yellow carded in the forty-ninth minute. An absolute critical blow which turned the game on its head and clearly shifted momentum.
Eventually, St Peter’s drive over for a try. A three-minute sequence which started from individual Josephian brilliance but ended with, Peterite teamwork to delight.
Hero of the day:
Again, there were a few. Julian Charles with his forward pack were real standouts. Gemunu Chethiya, his thrill-seeker ball in hand presence, Kenneth Wimaladasa for his game management and inspiring leadership. All that aside, the larger than life man who sparked the fightback and consistent service distribution was Peterite halfback and “Antman” Karunarathne. A Jason Bourne-like effort– to take his team to supremacy. He gets the brides flower bouquet.
Play of the day:
Gemunu Chethiya. #GC and his style bending try. All solo brilliance and stepped everyone including his own shadow to score in a moment of sheer delight. He is the one man I would want to see, the ball in hand when your team needs to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
The afterthought:
What a wonderful tournament it was with a sense of big game fishing. Even though the biggest fish in Artful dodger Royal, “opting” out. It made for an entertaining tussle with all teams giving it their, “all”. Perhaps it is time to truly acknowledge the importance of the KO and pay it due respect. It gives everyone a sense of achievement (taking out the sense of entitlement) and an opportunity of the second bite at the cherry. Just ask St Peter’s who celebrated like they won the FIFA world cup.
The Verdict:
Having a team loaded with superstars and game breakers even on the bench, St Joseph’s were beaten at almost the last furlong. It was one heck of a match race. This was more than just a cup final. It was a derby for a second coming. Playmaker on playmaker, coach against a coach and including both rectors of the esteemed institutions, wanting to show their sporting prowess. It was an experience.
The most deserving of the two won and did so by grinding it out. It wasn’t the prettiest rugby nor was it the highest quality but it had all the ingredients of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. Regardless, this will be crucial run on form for the Bamba side, taking it into next season.
Hard toil and teamwork with a will to win will ALWAYS trump flashy- individuality or X-factor. It is up to the playing group to decide how badly they want it. Taking one look at the faces of the two teams ten minutes from time, it was all too obvious who wanted it more. It was St Peter’s from Colombo four.
On that note, we bring down the curtain on season twenty eighteen. I only wish it didn’t but all good things MUST come to an end. Please keep logging on to thepapare.com #straightup and enjoy the no holds barred reviews and “banterous” analysis. Thank you for your time and feedback.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ThePapare.com
