Kingswood rout Peterites 41-15

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Cor.

The trend of the more fancied teams getting beaten in the hill capital continued and this time Kingswood College scored a stunning 41 points (3 goals, 4 tries) to 15 (1 goal, 1 try, 1 penalty) win over St. Peters' College, Bambalapitiya in their Schools Under-20 Division I Segment 'A' Rugby Tournament match played at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy yesterday. At half time the Kingswoodians were ahead leading 24-15.

The way of the Kingswoodian achieved this victory underline the fact that it was no flash in the pan as their forwards combined well with their books to punch holes in the Peterite defence and gave them no chance whatsoever to stage a come back.

The Peterites looked a jaded lot and their defence disappointed and often positional play was lacking. They hardly looked the side which totted up 50 odd points against another Kandy School St. Anthony's College.

The game started with the Peterites taking an early lead when flanker C.D.N. Perera went over far left one centre Canute Jerome failed to add the extra point. St. Peters 5-0.

Five minutes later the Kingswoodians levelled the scores through prop forward Malith Priyankara who scored off a maul. This try went unconverted.

The Peterites once again took over the lead when a Kingswood defender was spotted off side and centre canute Jerome fired a 35 metre penalty. St Peters 8-5.

Alas this was the last time, the Peterites were in front and from here onwards the Kingwoodians took control of the game.

Kingswoodian forged ahead when full back Kosala Perera joined the three quarters to touch down near the posts and centre Alela Wijesinghe added the extra points. Kingswoodians 12-8.

Kingswood extended their lead through flanker Tharindu Chathuranga who scored far left and this went unconverted. Kingswood 17-8.

The Peterites came back briefly into the game when flanker C.D.N. Perera made a dash to score mid left and Canute Jerome added the extra points. St. Peter's 15-17.

Just before the lemons fly half Tharindu Kumara spotting on opening scored near the post and centre Asela Wijesinghe added the extra points. Kingswood 24-15.

Kingswoodian continued their dominans and flanker Tharindu Chathuranga scored by the right corner flag after the forwards had carried the ball. Kingswood 29-15. Kingswoods forward continued their power play and Peterites defence wilted and this time lock forward Nisal Perera scored for right. This try went unconverted. Kingswood 34-15. with about 15 minutes to go two of the Kingswood players were sent on 'Sin bin". Centre Asela Wijesinghe for a dangerous tackle and flanker N.D. Perera for not retreating 10 metres behind and tackling twice.

Reduced to 13 players the Kingswoodian scored the best try of the match when Ravindu Kumara sprinted 65 metres to score under the posts and fly half K.N. Perera added the extra points D. Nimal refereed.