Petes win a close battle over Royal 22-20
By Ranjan AMANDAPPA
RUGBY: Fancied St. Peter's were made to fight tooth and nail to
maintain their unbeaten status when they beat Royal by 22 points (1
goal, 3 tries) to 20 (1 goal, 2 tries, and a penalty) in a Singer 'A'
Division Inter School League Rugby match at the Royal College Sports
Complex yesterday.
The Peterites led 15-8 at the breather.
The match swung furiously from side to side particularly in the
second half with the Royal forwards giving a spectacular display as the
Peterites were wilting under pressure.
The Royal forwards prop Yudith Karunaratne, hooker Adel Jabbar,
flankers Shehan Pathirana, Shehan Dassanayake and No. 8 Lahiru Pavithra
fought a lone battle with no support coming from the back division which
was used only for defensive purposes.
In contrast the Peterites gave an allround display with their
forwards and backs forming an effective combination as they displayed as
to why they have been classed as favourites, till Royal sprang back with
their forwards. If the Royal forwards looked spectacular driving into
rucks and mauls, the Peterite three quarters were extremely dangerous
whenever they were in possession centre Danushka Ranjan, Banuka
Nanayakkara, Sandun Herath, gave the cutting edge for the Peterites with
their penetrative runs.
In addition to Royal's pathetic back division, they also lack the
services of a reliable place kicker. Royal's Jamaldeen earlier missed a
penalty under the post, although firing over a difficult conversion
which gave Royal a semblance of a chance of pulling off a sensational
win. (20-22).
For the Peterites centre Danushka Ranjan scored thrice which Dulaj
Perera adding the extra points once and Sandun Herath touched down once.
For Royal Yudith Karunaratne, Faleel Mushin and Yasin Yusuf were the try
scorers.
Dilroy Fernando refereed. |
