Stunning victory by St. Peter's

Ken de Joodt

RUGBY: In an environment of joy, the victorious, young Peterite Rugby stalwarts had much to be proud of, as they walked off their Rugby Grounds at Bambalapitiya, after their scintillating performance against Trinity last Saturday (19th instant).

Together with the defeated Trinity team, many old Trinitians and young were also greatly saddened by their school's putrid performance, despite enjoying a fair share of ball possession, with some opportunities in the scrums and line-outs.

A pertinent question posed by one time Sri Lanka and CH & FC 'star' Wing three-quarter Chandrishan Perera was -"did Trinity really enjoy playing this game?" A "Yes" would be a far cry from the truth, while a "No" would be more real and 'closer to home' - as they played with their 'backs to the wall'!

"Hands down" and without an iota of doubt, "Fitness" and better skills were the key factors that made the difference between the performances of both teams. St. Peter's worked like a well-oiled machine with a smooth flow of movements, keeping up the momentum at their own pace, instead of falling in line with the lethargy and slowness of the Trinity Forwards and Backs.

Their variations in kicking paid dividends, giving the Peterites some 'bonus points' through a 'drop-goal' and three deep kick-aheads, which was purposely intended for their swift three-quarters to collect and score. On more than two occasions, they had the confidence of turning defence into attack!

By running the ball from their own 22 metre line, they resorted to kicking deep into the Trinity half and using sensible combined efforts, 'linking' and looping' well between the forwards and three-quarters to gain good ground, resulting in tries.

In a short 'chit-chat' with the benevolent, charismatic Trinity Principal Mr. Rod Gilbert (coincidentally the same name of the popular Rugby ball!), he was hopeful that Trinity would make amends for the previous defeat. Sure enough Trinity came in at the start of the game with confidence and made a good impression in the first five minutes of play.

They did all but score-dropped passes and poor positional play can justify one to say this - "a miss is as good as a mile"! St. Peter's assessed the 'weaknesses' of the Trinitians and 'turned on the heat' by running the ball, varying their tactics with good, power-play, which also made the Trinitians feel the effects of the sweltering heat of Colombo!

As a well-known and well-read Rugby Scribe, Sharm de Alwis, described it - "as a 'slowing down' comparable to a car - without fuel in their tanks!"

Beating Trinity by 24 points (3 goals and one penalty) to Trinity's only score of 3 points (a drop goal) by fly-half Kenneth Jecobs, is a fair indication of how superior St. Peter's were in all departments of the game.

It was indeed astonishing to see the Peterites winning the ball back, from the Trinity "throw-ins" (of some 'line-outs') and more so, in the 'rusks' and 'mauls'. Man to man, St. Peter's were bigger built and faster than their opponents. Burly prop-forward Arjuna Bopitiya played a splendid game for St. Peter's being fearless in attack and inspiringly led the forwards with good support by No: 8, Haren Ariyawardena - they were a force to reckon with! Gerald Canute on the wing scored a fine try, to add to his tally of tries scored this season.

Trinity seemed 'all at Sea' when the flowing movements of the Peterite backs and pack, showed good understanding and strength.

Vital to any team, is a reliable Place-kicker who would be consisted from the very first minute to the last minute of the game. To be a good kicker it takes time to perfect the 'art' and technique through dedicated daily practice. In Irfath Meedin, St. Peter's has a potential Place-kicker who can be a great asset to make the difference with those vital extra points. Trinity doesn't seem to think it important, so even the 'kickable' go astray.

As it was expressed before the game, Sean Wanigasekera the 'dashing' Trinity Captain, was expected to lead the team in a more settled manner and "to get their act together" - as it was said that he had overcome his recent disappointments and injuries.

However, after the game many were of the same opinion that any player nursing an injury should be "laid off" instead of aggravating the injury and demoralizing the rest of the team.

When 100% fit to play, he could be brought back after being restored.

It was an exceptionally good match for referee D. Nimal, who handled some tough decisions with wisdom and patience. His confidence showed in the countenance of his face, with smiles and stern gestures, which also won the confidence of the players as a referee who knows his job with the whistle.

Amidst a jubilant crowd was a delighted Rector of St. Peter's College, Rev. Father Travis Gabriel, Coach Martis and an enthusiastic Secretary of the Old Boys' Association, Sujith Silva, who was elated and overwhelmed by this smashing victory in their 75th encounter with Trinity. Hard work along with the other committee members ensured that the Rugby grounds were well prepared for the match, with adequate Security to handle the crowds.

This game was free of unnecessary rough play, which pleased the Rugby fans who witnessed a super game exhibiting a high level of Sportsmanship. Well done! to both teams!