By Shannon Nicholas

St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya were crowned Cup champions after they beat Vidyartha College 26-21 in the Under-18 Singer Schools Rugby Sevens Tournament which concluded at the Royal College Sports Complex in Reid Avenue yesterday.

The Peterites were up against a resilient Vidyartha outfit, a surprise package of the tournament, but were able to claim a magnificent victory in the end. 

Y. Fernando scored the first try of the match with less than a minute on the clock and with the conversion St. Peter’s were up 7-0.

However, Vidyartha managed to level the scores in no time when S. D. Udagedara planted a converted try after receiving a pass from his Skipper S. Kalugampitiya.  

On the verge of half time, Vidyartha took the lead when C. B. Kaluarachchi went over the line and with his conversion the scores were amended to 14-7. 

It was Fernando who did the damage again as he overpowered two Vidyartha defenders to score a try while making the score read 12-7. 

St. Peter’s managed to accumulate two more tries in quick time to sail to a 26-7 lead. 

On the verge of full time, Vidyartha pulled off a consolation try but it was too late as the Peterites held on to record a memorable victory. 

Earlier, the Peterites won the Cup quarter-final against Isipathana College (24-22) and emerged victorious against Science College in the semifinals 12-7. 

Vidyartha had an exciting tournament after they managed to eliminate few big guns early on. 

In the Cup quarter-finals, they beat Wesley College 15-14 before shocking Trinity College in the semi-finals (19-14). 

Meanwhile, Royal College, Colombo walked away with the Plate Championship after beating a hapless Isipathana outfit 29-nil in the final. 

In the Bowl final, Kingswood College beat D. S. Senanayake College 22-5. 

Sri Sumangala College won the Shield Championship after they beat C. W. W. Kannangara MMV 15-12 in the final. 

Captions:

St. Peter’s U-18 Rugby Team after receiving the Trophy 

Pix by Nisal Baduge