Defending champions St. Peter’s College cruised to a resounding 42-3 victory over a struggling Vidyartha College in their final match of the first round of the 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League, held at Nittawela.
The first 20 minutes were marked by errors, with the home side failing to capitalize on their quick moves and the visitors struggling with their line-out set pieces. In the 22nd minute, the Peterites executed a superb play from a scrum. With impressive handling from their backs, Pasindu Bandara broke through from the 45-meter line, advancing to within 5 meters of the try line. Quick ball movement from Salith Gallage to Yumeth Shihara allowed Shihara to exploit a gap and score the opening try, which Raul Peter converted. (VCK 00 – 07 SPC)
The Peterite line-out continued to disappoint as their throw-in was ruled not straight. From the resulting scrum, a loose pass from Vidyartha’s Roshith Malinga to Rusith Thamodya was fumbled by Thamodya. Seizing the opportunity, St. Peter’s agile scrum-half, Salith Gallage, pounced on the loose ball and scored the second try. Raul Peter successfully converted the try. (VCK 00 – 14 SPC)
Shortly after the try, the Peterites conceded a penalty from a rolling maul to the home side. The home team chose to go for the points, and Rusith Thamodya’s successful kick split the uprights, reducing the deficit to 11 points. (VCK 03 – 14 SPC)
In the final moments of the half, the Bamba brigade intensified their effort, piling on phases and making significant progress towards the red zone. The forwards contributed with powerful carries, and Salith Gallage distributed the ball quickly to the backs. Raul Peter drew in the defenders and then released Yumeth Shihara, who scored his second try. Peter added the conversion, giving the team a strong finish and momentum as they went into the break.
**Half Time: Vidyartha College 03 (1P) – St. Peter’s College 21 (3T, 3C)**
The hosts came out strong in the second half, gaining a few meters and attempting to attack with a rolling maul. However, the Peterites managed to turn over the ball and launched a quick counter-attack. A series of swift passes to the corner created space for Praneeth Silva, who linked up with Yumeth Shihara. Shihara advanced the play to halfway and made a timely offload to the speedy Thikshana Adithya. Adithya broke through the defense and delivered a superb pass to Vishenka Silva, who scored the bonus-point try, capping off a superb team effort. (VCK 03 – 28 SPC)
The game was halted for 10 minutes due to security reasons. After the disruption, both teams needed a few minutes to regain their focus. Once play resumed, the Peterite backs continued to dominate with their rapid, open running, gaining valuable meters and earning a penalty. The Peterite forwards then engaged in a series of pick-and-drives, culminating in a powerful surge by second-rower Shenuka Perera, who scored the visitors’ fifth try. Raul Peter maintained his flawless performance with the conversion, adding the extra points. (VCK 03 – 35 SPC)
The floodgates opened for the Peterites as a quick tap penalty was taken by the agile scrum-half, Salith Gallage. He distributed the ball efficiently from the left, and Vishenka Silva’s precise pass to skipper Dulaj Nawodya allowed Nawodya to score under the posts, sealing the game for the visitors.
Full Time: Vidyartha College 03 (1P) – St. Peter’s College 42 (6T,6C)
- NDB Player of the Match: Raul Peter (St. Peter’s College)
Points Breakdown
Vidyartha College 03
Rusith Thamodya 3 Points (1P)
St. Peter’s College: 42
Yumeth Shihara 10 points (2T), Vishenka Silva 5 points (1T), Dulaj Nawodya 5 points (1T),Shenuka Perera 5 points (1T), Salith Gallage 5 points (1T), Raul Peter 12 points (6C)
