St. Peter’s College had to work hard for their 25-10 victory against the formidable Wesley College outfit in their 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League third-week game, held at Bambalapitiya.
In what was always going to be a physical contest between these two unbeaten sides, Wesley College started on the right foot. Despite a yellow card to their fly-half Kaizer Lye, their aggressive play continued. The forwards piled on the pressure and reaped the rewards when Naham Hemachandra sniped over from the back of a maul to open the scoring. (SPC 00 – 05 WC)
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The Peterites responded immediately, taking advantage of the one-man advantage. Yumith Shihara’s timely pass to Pasindu Bandara broke the Wesley defense, allowing him to score under the posts. Shihara then successfully converted the try. (SPC 07 – 05 WC)
Wesley College stuck to their game plan, utilizing their forwards to the maximum with a series of patient pick-and-gos. Finally, Adeeb Youseph’s quick pass to Mohamed Fawaz allowed the winger to cross for the visitors’ second try. (SPC 07 – 10 WC)
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On the brink of halftime, Peterite scrum-half Praneeth Silva spotted an opening on the blind side from a scrum. Finding space, he made a break towards the try line. The St. Peter’s Skipper Dulaj Nawodya provided a crucial supporting run, picking the ball from Silva to force his way over and regain the lead.
Half Time: St. Peter’s College 12 (2T,1C) – Wesley College 10 (2T)
Wesley College did not have the greatest start to the second half as Abdul Haadhi was yellow-carded. A few minutes later, the Peterites capitalized on a scrum set piece. A floating pass from Raul Peter to Yumith Shihara, followed by a long flat pass from Shihara to Senuth Dinsara, rattled the Wesley defense as Dinsara galloped down the left wing to score the opening try of the second half. (SPC 17 – 10 WC)
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The Double Blues leaked penalties throughout the second half, but the most costly one came when Peterite scrum-half Salith Gallage took a quick tap and spread the ball to the dangerous Vishenka Silva. Silva made valuable meters forward, and his timely offload to Yumeth Shihara was executed perfectly. Shihara’s speed was unmatched by the visitors as he ran in for the bonus point try in the right corner. (SPC 22 – 10 WC)
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The Bamba Brigade closed out the game with a late 46-meter penalty from Yumith Shihara, clinching their third win after a tight tussle.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 25 (4T,1C,1P) – Wesley College 10 (2T)
NDB Player of the Match: Revone Perera (St. Peter’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Peter’s College: 25
Tries: Pasindu Bandara 5 Points (1 Try), Dulaj Nawodya 5 Points (1 Try), Senuth Dinsara 5 Points (1 Try) , Yumeth Shihara 10 Points (1 Try, 1 Conversion & 1 Penalty)
Wesley College 10
Naham Hemachandra 5 Points (1 Try) , Mohamed Fawaz 5 points (1 Try)
