St. Peter’s College soared to victory in a thrilling Cup Final against Royal College, clinching the coveted Cup Championship of the Dialog School Rugby Sevens, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association, played at the Royal College Sports Complex in Colombo yesterday after leading 10-5 at halt time.
In a nail-biting encounter, St. Peter’s College emerged triumphant with a final score of 10 points to 5, securing their place in rugby glory. Led by the exemplary leadership of captain Dulaj Navodya and guided by the strategic coaching of Sanath Martis, the Peterites displayed sheer willpower and skill throughout the game.
The action-packed first half saw both teams fiercely competing for dominance. Royal College managed to score an early try, gaining a 5-0 lead in the second minute. However, St. Peter’s swiftly responded, with Kyam Silva touching down for an equalising try in the fourth minute, leveling the score at 5-5.
As the tension mounted, St. Peter’s surged ahead with a remarkable solo effort from Yumeth Sihara, who dashed past the Royal College defence to score an unconverted try in the seventh minute. With a halftime score of 10-5 in favour of St. Peter’s, the stage was set for an electrifying second half.
Despite Royal College’s relentless efforts, St. Peter’s held their ground, showing off exceptional teamwork and resilience. With strategic plays and persistence, they successfully defended their lead until the final whistle, securing a well-deserved victory in the Cup Final. In the semi finals Royal beat Isipathana 15-7 and the Peterites beat Science 17-7.
Vidyartha Claims Plate Championship
In the Plate Final between Dharmaraja College and Vidyartha College, Vidyartha dominated the field with a 24-10 win. They secured an early lead with a try under the posts in the second minute, converting it successfully to lead 7-0. Vidyartha continued their momentum, scoring two more tries in the first half to extend their lead to 19-0 at halftime. Despite Dharmaraja’s efforts, Vidyartha sealed their victory with another try in the second half, ultimately winning 24-10 and clinching the Plate Championship.
Ananda College seizes Bowl Title
Ananda College displayed their prowess in the Bowl Final against Lumbini College winning by 24-0. An early try in the fourth minute, coupled with a successful conversion, gave Ananda a 7-0 lead. They continued to dominate, adding two more tries in the first half to lead 19-0 at halftime. Ananda sealed their victory with another try in the second half, finishing with a commanding 24-0 win and securing the Bowl Championship.
Siri Piyarathana claims Shield Championship
In an intense battle for the Shield Championship, Siri Piyarathana College Padukka won by 12-7 to win the Shield Championship. They faced off against Sumangala College Panadura. Siri Piyarathana took an early lead with a try in the ninth minute, but Sumangala College quickly equalised with a try of their own in the 12th minute.
With the scores tied at 7-7, the match went into extra time. In a thrilling finish, Siri Piyarathana secured victory with a try in the dying moments, winning 12-7 and claiming the Shield Championship.
Sajeewa Jayakody