Defending champions St Peter’s College brought a commanding performance, defeating Zahira College 62-8 in their Dialog ‘A’ Division Schools League Rugby Tournament match at Bambalapitiya. Leading 19-8 at halftime, the Peterites conquered the game from start to finish.
St Peter’s started strong with Vihan Rushith scoring the first try in the fifth minute, philanthropic them an early 5-0 lead. Zahira responded in the 23rd minute with an unconverted try by Dasun Nimasara, equalizing the score at 5-5.
The Peterites quickly regained control as Amin Rajapaksa scored in the 28th minute, followed by a successful conversion by Rahul Peter, making it 12-5. Scrum half Salith Gallage added another try in the 31st minute, with Fullback Rahul Peter’s excellent conversion extending their lead to 19-5. Zahira managed to score a 22-metre penalty just before halftime, closing the gap to 19-8.
In the second half, St Peter’s dominated. Flanker Aiden Fernando scored a bonus point try in the 40th minute, assertive the lead to 24-8. Captain Dulaj Nawodya added another try in the 45th minute, with Rahul Peter converting to make it 31-8. Revon Perera’s try in the 47th minute, followed by another successful adaptation, extended the lead to 38-8.
Praneeth Silva scored in the 52nd minute, bringing the score to 43-8. Dazzling winger Yumeth Shihara added another try in the 62nd minute, with Rahul Peter converting to reach the 50-point mark. Winger Vishenka Silva scored back-to-back tries in the 63rd minute, with one converted by Ashok Krishan, making it 57-8. Silva scored again to seal the final score at 62-8.
St Peter’s College, led by their powerful and skilled players, proved unstoppable against the inexperienced Zahirians. Aruna Shantha presided the match. (SJ)
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