St. Peter’s College extended their winning streak by securing the Rev. Fr. Basil Wiratunga Shield once again, triumphing over arch-rivals St. Joseph’s College with a commanding 25-10 victory in the 5th week of the 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League, played at Bambalapitiya.
The host team St. Peter’s College got off to an impressive start, scoring within just 23 seconds. Peterite Captain Dulaj Nawodya broke through St. Joseph’s defense, delivering a perfectly timed offload to speedy winger Vishenka Silva. Silva skillfully evaded the last defender, completing a thrilling 60-meter sprint to touch down and score. (SPC 05 – 00 SJC)
>>Thurstan restrict Joes to under 50
St. Peter’s persisted with their running game strategy despite the wet and soggy underfoot conditions, and they maintained early dominance. After winning a penalty, Peterite opted to kick for touch. Despite an initial mishap where Dulaj Nawodya’s throw-in was not cleanly gathered by the jumper, Nawodya reacted swiftly, securing the rebound and swiftly darting into the left corner to score. (SPC 10 – 00 SJC)
The visitors needed a comeback and soon earned a kickable penalty, but Beeshma Jayasekara missed the opportunity to split the uprights. However, a few minutes later, Peterite flanker Aiden Fernando received a yellow card. Ivano White then stepped up to take over the kicking duties, confidently slotting over his first penalty to put points on the board for his team. (SPC 10 – 03 SJC)
>>St. Peter’s overcomes Wesley with strong Second Half effort
The Peterites aimed to build on their lead, and when they earned a scrum penalty, Yumeth Shihara’s kick extended their advantage, putting his team 10 points ahead.
The Bamba Brigade capitalized on their momentum when young second-rower Shenuka Perera powered over following a robust driving maul, extending the home side’s lead to 15 points going into the break.
Half Time: St. Peter’s College 18 (3T,1P) – St. Joseph’s College 03 (1P)
St. Joseph’s College came out stronger after the break, showing increased firepower. The Peterites contributed to their opponents’ resurgence by attempting to run from their own try line, but were pushed back. From a resulting 5-meter scrum, the Peterites conceded a penalty and lost their Vice Captain Ranithu Ridmal to a yellow card. Shortly after, the Joes’ hooker Mindulka Perera powered his way over from close range, bringing his side back into the game. Ivano White successfully converted the try from the kicking tee to add the extra points. (SPC 18 – 10 SJC)
>>Royal outclass Wesley with a solid second half
The momentum swung in favor of Joes, and the Peterites needed a response. This came when Pasindu Bandara collected a clearance kick from Beeshma Jayasekara inside their own 22-meter line. Breaking through one defender, Bandara swiftly passed to his teammate Vishenka Silva. Silva embarked on a breathtaking 75-meter run, outpacing the Joes full-back. His exceptional stepping skills proved too elusive for the Joes back line defence, and he concluded with a powerful fend-off of the last defender, scoring a remarkable individual try. Raul Peter successfully converted the try to add the extra points.
>>Champion’s comeback too hot for Josephians
The Bamba Brigade persisted in their attacking efforts, but struggled with their finishing touches as they sealed the game, ensuring that the Rev. Fr. Basil Wiratunga Shield remained at Bambapitiya for another year.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 25 (4T,1C,1P) – St. Joseph’s College 10 (1T,1C,1P)
NDB Player of the Match: Vishenka Silva (St. Peter’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Peter’s College: 25
Vishenka Silva 10 points (2 Tries), Dulaj Nawodya 5 points (1 Try),Shenuka Perera 5 points (1 Try), Yumeth Shihara 3 points (1 Penalty), Raul Peter 2 points (1 Conversion)
St. Joseph’s College 10
Mindulka Perera 5 points (1 Try), Ivano White 5 points (1 conversion & 01 penalty)
