Royal-Peterite rugby ties strengthened

A new chapter began in an old sporting rivalry last Friday 5th April 2013 at St. Peter’s College Grounds at Bambalapitiya. Recognized as the second longest running schools rugby encounter in Sri Lanka, the Royal St. Peter’s rivalry started 81 years ago in July 1932 at the very same pitch when the two schools came together to play a friendly game of rugby. This match, won by Royal, was the first ever rugby match the Peterites played.

Celebrating the long standing relationship on the rugby field also the close association between these two leading schools, both on and off the field, a Memorial Cup was introduced from this year for the Royal Vs. St. Peter’s 1st XV Rugby encounter.

The Cup was named the ‘BC Anghie Cup’ in memory of (late) B.C. Anghie who was a master at both schools, St. Peters from 1929-1936 and at Royal from 1936-1954. This was donated by his sons, spearheaded by Anthony (Tony) Anghie who played for Royal College 1st XV in 1948-49.

The old Rugby ties between these two schools are deeply rooted with Royal who took to the game back in 1916 helped to baptize St. Peter’s in Rugby by playing their very first rugby encounter and ushering Saints into the rugby field.

Thus St. Peter’s College became the fifth school to commence playing rugger and they were among the four schools that were playing competitive rugby prior to the outbreak of World War II. Interestingly, the very first Rugby Captain of St. Peter’s College, Lim Billimoria started his education at Royal College before moving out of Reid Avenue to St. Peter’s College and later on led St. Peter’s in their first Rugby encounter against Royal in 1932. In 2007, St. Peter’s College celebrated their 75h Anniversary of taking to rugby by hosting the encounter against Royal College for the ‘Lim Billimoria Trophy’ which was annexed by the host.

The renowned Anghie family has its ties across both schools. Bernard C. Anghie, was a pillar of Royal College and while serving as a master at both schools he also served as a Rugby Master during a short time in both schools. He had the luxury of teaching finer things to some of the very best Ruggerites to come out from these two schools during the Harlequin era of Rugby in then Ceylon mostly dominated by Europeans.

Some of his famous and legendary pupils at St. Peter’s were Archibald Perera, Percy Perera, George and Fred Keller, Stanley Livera, Shelly Illesinghe, Paul De Niese and Roy Reimers. While at Royal from 1936 – 1954, he taught some of the Royal Rugby legends of yesteryear likes of Mahes Rodrigo, Summa Navarathnam, Greff Weinman, Ashey Cader. The Aldons brothers - Hugh, Fred and Eric, Gamini Salgado and Dr. Larry Foenander.

Most of these players, from both schools went on to play together for the respective clubs and also for All Ceylon teams. In 1955 BC went on to join the University of Ceylon.

The three outstanding sons, The Anghie brothers from Royal dominated sporting headlines in bygone years with elder brother Tony was an elegant sportsman who won Colours in three sports. He captained the boxing team in 1947 at Royal and was a member of Royal 1st XV in 1948-49 and later turned out for Army and Combined Services.

The second, dazzling late Dr. Trevor Anghie captained Royal in 1950 having played 1st XV since 1948. He was later a regular feature in CR and FC, Havelocks, Uva and All Ceylon teams. Maurice Anghie the youngest played for Royal 1st XV between 1956-59 while captaining in 1959 and later turned out for Havelocks and All Ceylon.

Adiel Anghie, a nephew of BC represented and had the rare distinction of captaining St. Peter’s College at both Rugby (1959) and cricket (1960). Ironically in 1959, the two cousins Adiel Anghie captained St. Peter’s College and Maurice Anghie captained Royal College in the Annual Rugby Encounter and the match ended in a thrilling 6 all draw at Bambalapitiya.

The Royal – St. Peter’s Rugby encounter over the years has been one of the much anticipated Schools Rugby matches with ardent followers of both school teams together assured of an exciting affair. One of the high points of the Royal – St. Peter’s rugby ties is the 2010 Schools President’s Trophy finals.

The scheduled final match at Royal Sports Complex was suspended at the last minute by the authorities due to a Court order. The, two teams, led by their Principals, upholding the spirit of the game played a friendly encounter with excitement and vigour worthy of a final.

After two yeas, the Court case was dismissed and two schools decided to share the President’s trophy upholding the highest of traditions and sporting values.

This year’s encounter added excitement with ‘BC Anghie Cup’ being introduced as both teams vied for glory coupled with league aspirations. Finally the Pe terites emerged victorious by 31-19 in an enthralling game of rugby.