Thomians in stunning win over Peterites

Regain the Archibald Perera Trophy:

By Chris Dhambarage

RUGBY: S. Thomas’ College produced a magnificent performance as they brought down the defending champions St. Peter’s College by 22 points to 19 points in a thrilling Singer inter school under 20 Division One Group ‘A’ league rugby tournament match worked off at Mount Lavinia yesterday.

Their second successive win in the current season had a great amount of significance as they also regained the Archibald Perera Trophy after a lapse of two years. S. Thomas’ College collected their points from one goal and three tries while St. Peter’s College who led 10-7 at half time responded with one goal, three penalties and one drop goal.

Incidentally their previous win against St. Peter’s College was recorded in 2005 under the captaincy of Namal Rajapaksa. In a co-incidence his brother Rohitha Rajapaksa scored two brilliant tries and led his dynamic team to a morale boosting victory that also kept their unbeaten record intact and to stay in contention for the league title.

The Thomians of course took the initiative and scored an early try while showing signs of dominating the proceedings.

They got their act together well from the kick off and certainly surprised their opponents with a splendid performance where they enjoyed a great amount of possession in the line outs and set pieces.

However the Peterites spearheaded by their hard working set of forwards came back strongly to level the scores and from there onwards the game turned out to be a fascinating contest until the final whistle.

The Thomians certainly deserved their victory because they scored more tries than their opponents and held their nerves during a tense final few moments of the game. The Peterites launched a fierce late rally with their reliable place kicker Harsha Weerakkody firing three crucial penalties in addition to a spectacular drop goal.

But the Thomian forwards held on determinedly with their solid defence after having done all the hard work early in the second half.

This was the period that they really turned the game in their favour with skipper and number eight Rohitha Rajapaksa producing two superb tries.

In addition Manjith Amangama and Jeewaka Hewawithara also scored a try each for the Thomians. Dilshan Paul scored the solitary try for St. Peter’s College which was converted by Harsha Weerakkody.

Aruna Jayasekera refereed.