Royal remain unbeaten

Royal College staved off a fierce challenge from St. Peter's College to emerge victorious by 25 points (one goal, three tries, one penalty) to 21 (three goals) in their Singer Segment One 'A' Division rugby match played at Royal Sports Complex yesterday after leading 20-14 at the breather. Thus Royal kept their unbeaten record intact.

It was the Royal forwards who paved the way for this victory. Especially Eroshan de Alwis, Shualb Muthaliph, Wasim Bawa, Madusha Kularatne, Andrew Siriwardena and Yasun Weerasuriya gave a sterling display in in the loose to outplay their counterparts.

The lads from Reid Avenue also won an abundance of possession from the line outs through the trio of Yasun Weerasuriya, Wasim Bawa and Andrew Siriwardena while in the line outs Shualb Muthaliph got the better of his vis-a-vis Shenel Abeysekera.

But the Royalists three-quarters could not make much headway with a half fit Arshad Jamaldeen occupying the fly half berth. Royal was also badly hampered by the lack of a reliable place kicker with Rimzi Jamaldeen missing three conversions and a penalty. The Royalists opened scoring in the 7th minute when lock forward Wasim Bawa powered his way to touch down off a maul. Rimzi Jamaldeen missed the conversion, but fired across 35 metre penalty to make it 8-0 after 13 minutes play.

Three minutes later the Peterites began a move in the Royal '25' which ended with centre Dulaj Perera putting the finishes touches by scoring by the corner flag. He made a splendid conversion to make it 8-7.

In the 20th minute Royal increased their lead when off a scrum in the Peterite 25 Royal worked their 'threes' and centre Damien Ratwatte crashed through to touch down under the posts to give Rinzi Jamaldeen on easy kick at goal (Royal 15-7)

The Peterites hit back a few minutes later when off another fine three-quarter move winger Bhanuka Peiris scored mid left. Dulaj Perera added the extra points to make it 14-15.

Five minutes before the breather Royal's lock forward Wasim Bawa scored a push over try off a five metre line out. Rimzi Jamaldeen missed the conversion (Royal 20-14). On the stroke of half line Rimzi Jamaldeen missed a sitter of a penalty from 20 metres out and Royal led 20-14 at lemons.

In the 10th minute after resumption Royal scored another push over try off a maul through Sachin Vithange. Rinzi Jamaldeen who seemed to have left his kicking boots at home missed the conversion. Royal 25-14. In the 22nd minute the Peterites fought back and centre Dilanka Perera sliced through the Royal defence to score under the posts. Dulaj Perera converted to make it 25-21 which score stood until the final whistle.

Referee: Dilroy Fernando