Petes out to end Royal’s unbeaten run

By Sandun Kodithuwakku

St. Peter’s College will be determined to bring an end to Royal’s unbeaten record this season when they clash in a high profile Inter-Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament encounter at Bambalapitiya tomorrow (30).

The Peterites have shown tremendous form since their shock 19-20 defeat at the hands of S. Thomas’ College at Mount Lavinia and will look to end the first-round segment on a winning note.

Since that early defeat, St. Peter’s have recovered well and have made steady progress while recording three convincing victories over Kingswood College (14-7), Maliyadeva College (82-0) and Wesley College (35-22) respectively.

However, Royal will be even more keen to remain unbeaten as they look to record their fifth successive victory in the tournament.

The defending champions started their campaign with a rousing 62-6 win over Maliyadeva and then went on to beat traditional rivals S. Thomas’ (17-10), Wesley (24-19) and Kingswood (20-12).

Meanwhile, Royal Coach Dushanth Lewke expressed his confidence ahead of this clash and believed they could pull off another victory if they perform to their potential.

“Our main focus is of course the Bradby Shield encounter but we will give our best to win the match while providing all players the maximum opportunity.”

St. Peter’s Assistant Coach Rajiv Perera believed his team could come on top as they will be fielding a full strength side on their home grounds.

“Two of our senior players Raveen Fernando and Sandesh de Mel are back in the squad and their presence could be a decisive factor.”

The teams

Royal: Tuan Jayah, Rajindu Jayasuriya, Radesh Wijeratna, Adithya Weerasooriya, Fadhil Adahan, Achitha Radeeshan, Kevin Samarasekara, Samadhi Induwara, Nipuna Yasojana and Kalindu Nandila, Lehaan Gunaratne, Thulaib Hassen (Captain), Yasis Rashmika, Maleesha Perera, Dulan Gunawardena.

St. Peter’s: Senura Perera, Julian Charles, Janidu Fernando, Lankesh Perera, Yohan Fernando, Nizran Nilar, Bilal Hilmy (Captain), Shenthika Fernando, Ashen Ranansinghe and Thenuka Nanayakkara, Shenol Silva, Chandima Sandaruwan, Raveen Fernando, Ishan Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka.