St Peter’s College managed to break their hoodoo against Science College as they beat the boys from Mount Lavinia by 22 points to 3 at Bambalapitiya to kick off round 2 of their Singer Schools Rugby League campaign.
St Peter’s College hosted Science College in their first match of the second round. It was the visitors who hit their stride to start off the game as the Peterites were sloppy early on, conceded too many penalties. Akash Madushanka bisected the uprights to open the scoring and put the visitors ahead. Science College kept on the attack and found their way over the line twice only to be denied of points on both occasions. On the 1st attempt, there was deemed to be an off-side offense while Referee Dinka Pieris stood in their way on the 2nd occasion. (SPC 0 – SC 3)
However, the hosts were unable to keep any continuity or fluency in their play. They went down to 13 when Lankesh Perera and Yohan Fernando were given yellow cards in quick succession. Science had the numerical advantage but the Peterite defense was up to the task. Two men down, they managed to get their noses ahead with an unconverted try by Thenuka Nanayakkara. Quick hands and continuity from the back line led to a much awaited try. (SPC 5 – SC 3)
Science went into a shell and things went from bad to worse when Sasindu Priyadharshana was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. A few moments later, the Peterites scored their second try of the game with Sunera Fernando finding the whitewash. Half back Fernando was smart enough to change direction, which opened up the blind side. Sunera got the ball and stepped back in to jump over.
Half time: St Peter’s College 10 (2T)- Science College 3 (1P)
The second half was dominated by the hosts. They gave no chance to the boys from Mount Lavinia. Sunera Fernando scored his second try and the third try of the game. The ball was turned over at the 40m line and the forwards strung together a few phases to get deep into the Science half. Fernando made the final move by carrying the ball over the line. The conversion was successful this time by Ashel Ranasinghe. (SPC 17 – SC 3)
Peterites made good breaks right through the second half but they were clumsy and their indiscipline cost them a few more points. However, they managed to secure the bonus point with their fourth try, which was scored by Shenol Silva. Silva sprinted down the line after the overlap was created by the forwards.
Full time: St Peter’s College 22 (4T, 1C) – Science College 3 (1P)
ThePapare Player of the Match – Thenuka Nanayakkara (SPC)
Point scorers for St Peter’s College –
Sunera Fernando 2T, Thenuka Nanayakkara 1T, Shenol Silva 1T, Ashel Ranasinghe 1C
Yellow cards: Lankesh Perera, Yohan Fernando
Point scorers for Science College
Akash Madushanka 1P
Yellow card: Sasindu Priyadharshana
