Joes stun Peterites to regain Trophy

By M. Shamil Amit

St Joseph’s College cruised through with a convincing 36 points to 19 win over traditional rivals St Peter’s College to regain the Rev. Fr, Basil Wiratunga Shield after six years in their rugby match played at the CR ground in Longdon Place yesterday.

St Joseph’s having taken a comfortable 26-5 lead at the breather made up their points through three goals and three tries to a goal and  two tries scored by St Peter’s.

It turned out to be easy for the Josephians and with much being expected from the Peterite outfit but unfortunately it was not their day as the Darley Road boys completely dominated proceedings in both sessions of play.

The first half had the Joes dominate proceedings as they had St Peter’s defense struggling for survival. The Joes drew first blood in the sixth minute through a try by second rower Janith Marasinghe and skipper Beeshma Jayasekera added the extra points. But the Peterites struck five minutes later with winger Rajith Geon going over for an unconverted try.

The Joes undeterred put the Peterites under pressure and in the 14th minute prop forward Isuru Chathuranga went over for a try for Jayasekera to convert.

The Joes continued their attack and though missing scoring opportunities they succeeded to increase the lead in the 26th minute with Chathuranga going over for his second try to lead 19-5.

Just before half time Janith Marasinghe squeezed through for a try that Jayasekera converted and with it the Joes virtually sealed the result taking the breather at 26-5.

The second half saw the Peterites score in the 38th minute with skipper and winger Vishenka Silva going over for a try and Emith Jayaweera making the conversion.

But the Joes hit back with back to back tries first in the 47th minute with hooker Minduka Perera going over for a try and the second in the 65th minute with Marasinghe scoring his third try and the scores read 36-12.

A consolation try in the dying stages by flanker Ranasinghe converted by Vishenka Silva did not make a difference and the Peterites could not prevent the inevitable.

Referee – Gihan Yatawara