St. Peter’s College launched their title defense in the 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League with an emphatic statement, routing newcomers Thurstan College 112-0 in their season opener at Bambalapitiya.
St. Peter’s wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Pasindu Bandara breaking through from a set piece in the very first minute. He latched onto Emith Jayaweera’s pass and dashed over the line to open the scoring. (SPC 05 – 00 TC)
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St. Peter’s maintained their momentum with a strategic move involving their backs. Scrum Half Salith Gallage took a quick tap and a well-timed offload from Bandara found tall winger Vishenka Silva, who crossed under the posts for a try. Yumeth Shihara successfully converted the try to extend their lead. (SPC 12 – 00 TC)
The tries continued to flow for the Peterites as Sulaimaan Riyaz touched down in the corner following a well-executed move, while Vishenka Silva secured his second try by outpacing the Thurstan defenders. (SPC 24 – 00 TC)
Straight from the restart, Bandara ran a perfect line, storming through the incoming defenders. A silky offload to Raul Peter, followed by a basketball pass from Peter to Salith Gallage, allowed Gallage to canter over the line to score the try of the game. (SPC 31 – 00 TC)
The try fest continued for the Bamba Brigade as Vishenka Silva completed his hat-trick within 26 minutes by going over in the corner.
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The game was dominated by the backs, but finally, the Forwards seized their opportunity. Jehan Weerabangsa scored from close range after powerful carries by his teammates, marking the 7th try for St. Peter’s. (SPC 41 – 00 TC)
The tall winger’s try-scoring spree continued as Vishenka Silva added two more back-to-back tries. His power and speed proved unmatchable for the Thurstan defenders, taking his team into the break with a resounding lead.
Half Time: St. Peter’s College 55 (9T,5C) – Thurstan College 00
St. Peter’s maintained their fast-paced play as Vishenka Silva’s outrageous pass released Vihan Rusith, who dashed over for the 10th try. Silva’s brilliance continued as he broke through the Thurstan defenses, and his quick pass to Skipper Dulaj Nawodya enabled Nawodya to score another running try. (SPC 69 – 00 TC)
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Thurstan College continued to struggle under the relentless pressure from the Peterites. Individual brilliance from Salith Gallage resulted in a stunning 60-meter try, with Raul Peter further increasing the commanding lead with his conversion. (SPC 76 – 00 TC)
The Bamba Brigade continued to thump the newcomers with more tries as Nethshan Manthusha, Januth Rathnayake and Praneeth Silva scored in quick succession, bringing the score close to three figures. (SPC 93 – 00 TC)
The biggest roar of the day came when Senuth Dinsara showcased a fine piece of skill, collecting his own kick over the Thurstan defense to score under the posts. Raul Peter added the conversion, taking his team to that magical three-figure mark. (SPC 100 – 00 TC)
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St. Peter’s scored two more tries in the dying moments of the game. Senuth Dinsara went over for his second try and Praneeth Silva also secured his second, clinching a thumping victory to start their title defense.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 112 (18T,11C) – Thurstan College 00
- NDB Player of the Match: Vishenka Silva (St. Peter’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Peter’s College: 112
Tries: Pasindu Bandara, Vishenka Silva (5), Sulaimaan Riyaz, Salith Gallage(2), Jehan Weerabangsa, Vihan Rusith, Dulaj Nawodya , Nethshan Manthusha, Januth Rathnayake, Praneeth Silva(2), Senuth Dinsara (2), Con: Yumeth Shihara (6), Raul Peter (5)
Thurstan College: 00
