Peterites look for repeat performance

Chris Dhambarage

St. Peter's College with a combination of youth and experience are hoping for a repeat performance to clinch the 'A' division league championship in the current inter school rugby season.

They have already made their intentions quite clear while recording two impressive victories to snatch an early lead in the Singer inter school Under 19 'A' division league rugby tournament.

The Peterites led by dynamic centre three quarter Bhanuka Nanayakkara powered their way to beat Science College by 48 points 7 points and had the better of Thurstan College by 61 points to 6 points respectively.

They have already planted a total of 19 tries from their two outings which is a clear sign of their talent and potential and have also signalled a warning to the rest of their opponents.

Their main goal this year is of course to retain the 'A' Division league title although they have already clinched the all island seven-a-side tournament. They have focused very much on fifteen-a-side rugby with special emphasis on fitness and stamina.

In fact this was one reason for their tremendous success last year where they remained unbeaten champions under the captaincy of Keith Gurusinghe.

Apart from the coaching of veteran Sanath Martis and Colin Denish the Peterites also had the privilege of performing under an experienced trainer Ransilu Jayatilleke.

Their services to the players both on and off the field made a huge impact on the team performances overall as St. Peter's College swept aside all opponents in the most spectacular manner.

Their only disappointment of course was the high profile game against the arch rivals S. Thomas' College where they staged one of the greatest comebacks in schools rugby to force a thrilling 31 all draw.

In another magnificent effort St. Peter's College defeated Trinity College away from home by 31 points to 10 points at the Pallekele Stadium. They also created a piece of record by annihilating Prince of Wales College Moratuwa by a massive 164 points to nil.

In addition they had the better of Isipatana College (27-8), Dharmaraja College Kandy (58-0), Royal College (22-20), Kingswood College Kandy (45-29), Wesley College (50-13) and St. Anthony's College Kandy (24-15).

They also had the opportunity of winning the knock out tournament as well but unfortunately the final against Royal College was not played due to a legal problem.

There were some outstanding individual contributions as well last season although the entire team contributed in a big way towards their success. Dashing center three quarter Dhanushka Ranjan certainly stood above the rest as the leading try scorer.

He made his presence felt in almost every outing entertaining many with his speed and power and his 85 meter try against Isipathana College was simply amazing.

This time he is ready to face even a bigger challenge from his opponents as he look to produce a repeat performance and complete another successful inter school rugby season.

The St. Peter's College Rugby Pool for 2011:

Prop forwards: Chaturanga Mendis, Johan Rodrigo, Dhanushka Kodikara, Ruwin Edirimuni, Pasindu Fernando

Hooker: Devin Fonseka, Shenal Abeysekera, Imal Perera

Second rovers: Asitha Krishan, Jhehan Mendis, Asitha Krishan, Akila Deepthi

Flankers: Malith Makage, Ravindra Indrakumara, Saranga Dulan, Royston Johnston, Subash Perera

Number eight: Isuru Alwis

Scrum half: Rizwan Meedin, Ruchira Perera

Fly half: Dulaj Perera, Shehan Weerakkody

Centres: Danushka Ranjan, Bhanuka Nanayakkara (captain), Dilanka Perera

Wingers: Sandun Herath, Bhanuka Peiris, Praveen de Silva, Anuruddha Herath, Crishan Perera, Imad Rauff

Full back: Kevin Wimaladasa

Head Coach: Sanath Martisz

Assistant Coach: Colin Denish

Trainer: Ransilu Jayatilleke

Manager: Mahesh de Silva

Dr. Clive James

Sports Coordinator: Rev Fr. Lakmin de Silva