Schools ‘A’ Division Rugby: St. Peter’s are champions by just one point

By S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr.

St. Peters were crowned schools ‘A’ Division rugby champions when they beat St. Anthony’s by the thinnest of margins 11 points (1 try, 2 penalties) to 10 (2 tries) in their schools rugby match at Nittawela yesterday. At half the Peterites led 8-5.
Though the Peterites won they were given a rough time by the Antonians who were minus two of their key players in skipper Sanjay Rajaguru and Amila Bandara.

The Peterites took an early lead when stand off Ifath converted a 30 metre penalty. They consolidated this lead when No. 8 and skipper Haren Ariyawardene scored off a ruck mid left. Meedin failed to add the extra points.

Just before the short whistle the Antonians kept pressing and were rewarded when full back Mohammed Shafraz formed the overlap to touch down far left. Fly half Roshan Wijesiri failed to add the extra points.

After the turn around the Antonians missed two chances of forging ahead when the usually reliable place kicker Roshan Wijesiri fluffed two penalty kicks at goal. The Antonians also missed an opportunity of scoring through some good defence by the Peterites.

The Peterites also had their share of woes when Ifath Meedin missed a 35 metre penalty.

The Antonians took over the lead in the 20th minute of this half through a try by centre Asoka Weligampola who touched down by the right corner flag off a three quarter movement. Wijesiri missed a difficult conversion.

In the closing stages of the game the Peterites sealed victory through a 30 metre penalty fired by centre Harsha Rukshan.
Nizam Jamaldeen refereed.