Beat St. Peter’s by 6-0 in Cup Championship final:

Wesley clinch Suntel Trophy

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Wesley College clinched the Suntel Trophy when they edged out St. Peter’s College by six points to nil in the Western Province Under 18 inter school league rugby tournament final worked off at the Royal College Sports Complex in Reid Avenue yesterday.

The Wesleyites rallied around through their heavy set of forwards despite playing under critical weather conditions to turn the game in their favour while putting over two penalties both in the first half.

Wesley College always looked the better side where they dominated the game while enjoying more possession in the line outs and set pieces. However the wet and soggy ground conditions certainly prevented them from running the ball as the contest turned into a forwards battle.

The Wesleyites of course had an added advantage with their mobile set of forwards where they kept play inside their opponent’s territory for a long period while forcing several unsuccessful five metre scrums.

In fact Wesley could have scored at least a couple of tries in the first half but some good defence and spoiling work from the Peterites in addition to the slippery conditions shattered their hopes to a great extent.

Fly half D. R. Perera controlled the game well for Wesley while feeding the three quarters quite regularly as well as setting up a couple of good scoring opportunities. However they just could not convert pressure into points while making some crucial mistakes at vital stages of the game.

St. Peter’s College too had their chances and almost turned the game in their favour following a superb late rally from their three quarters.

They brought play close to the Wesley College goal line following a superb move initiated by their number eight M. D. Dias.

However Wesley College held on determinedly during the crucial last few moments of the game and went on to seal the game with the two penalties fired by their dynamic fly half D. R. Perera within the first ten minutes of the game.

Earlier Science College put up a fine performance to register a thrilling 12 points to 10 points victory over the more fancied Mahanama College outfit in the Plate championship final worked off at the same venue.

Meanwhile S. Thomas’ College went through some anxious moments before overcoming Ananda College by 17 points to 12 points in the Bowl Championship final. In addition St. Joseph’s College trounced Thurstan College by 22 points to five points in the Shield championship final and Lumbini MV received a walk over from D. S. Senanayake College in the Saucer championship final.