St.Peters led the first half 10-0 but Science College came back strong in the second half to steal victory 10-13 in the Singer Rugby league game at Royal Complex.
Both teams came into this match with convincing victories in the first week. Science as tournament favorites looked to be the stronger outfit out of the two teams but Peterites with their strong forwards was more than capable of causing an upset.
Science kicked of this crunch match as the Petes looked focused and determined from the word go. Stephan Sivaraj drew first blood with a penalty inside the 22m. Indiscipline shown by the Science side as they conceded too many penalties inside their territory. ( SPC 3 – SC 0 )
Photo Album – Science College v St. Peter’s College (Schools Rugby 2016)
Sivaraj got another chance to increase their tally but he missed out the penalty from an acute angle. However the Peterites bounced back from that missed opportunity to score a converted try by Theekshana Heshan. A well-timed offload by skipper Sandesh Jayawickrama to Theekshana saw him shoving away two defenders to go over the line. Sivaraj added the extras ( SPC 10 – SC 00 )
The first half was dominated by the Peterites. Their defense was on point while Science College was indisciplined right though out the first half.
Half Time: SPC 10 – SC 00
Science looked more settled in the second half but the Peterites defense was consistent. Towards the end Science stepped up their game and dominated possession. Thanuja Maduranga put first points on board for the boys from Mt Lavinia. Peterites were penalized quite a few times for playing off side and Thanuja pounced on it.
Thanuja added 6 points with two successive penalties inside 10 minutes. Momentum shifted towards Science College and they were pumped up in the dying minutes of the game
Tharidu Maduranga gave the killer blow inside the last five minutes with an under the post try. Scrum half Hashan Madumadawa’s box kick from their own half bounced right in front of Avishka Heenapella. Unfortunately for Heenpella the bounced did not work in his favor as he tried to gain control of the ball Tharidu snatched it and ran all the way to score the winning try. Conversion was an easy one for the likes of Thanuja ( SPC 10 – SC 13 )
Peterites fought until very last moment but failed to score any points. Science will have many concerns going forward while the Peterites should take heart from the performance and move forward in the coming weeks.
Full Time : SPC 10 – SC 13
ThePapare Man of the Match – Janith Laksara (SC )
SC point scorers: Thanuja Maduranaga 2P, 1C Tharidu Maduranga 1T
SPC point scorers: Theekshana Heshan 1T, Stephan Sivaraj 1P 1C
