Royal emerges victorious: 36-25.

B C Anghie Trophy retained for another year.

Yet another much awaited match of the rugby season was about to commence as the crowds of either school filled the St Peter’s College Rugby grounds. Amidst the clamorous fans supporting either team drowning out each other’s yells with all their voice, the players marched in. The two College anthems ensued.

The eager crowds soon burst into deafening cheer with the kick off. The Royal side displayed some commendable skill at the beginning pushing the Peterites back. However just five minutes into the game saw the home team shackling the Royal defences with the first opportunity received marking the first points for the evening. Conversion fails and score stands at 0-5 with SPC on the lead.

Royal seems to be under some pressure as their opponents begin to display some sheer talent. The Royal scrum seems to be faced with real challenge perhaps for the first time in the season as Peter’s manages to bring out some strong defence. The boys in blue and gold are eyeing every opportunity only to be put back by the seemingly impenetrable Peterite defences. Having missed a penalty awarded to Royal, the opposing team is in their full strength ready to hold on to their hard earned lead. The 17th minute sees the much awaited break through as Royal evens the scores with their first try onto the left end by Chandula. Conversion fails. Score stands at 5-5.

The Peterites seem to be in no mood to surrender as they bring out their robust retaliation. A truly adept pass followed by some skilful dodging sees the home side making their second try for the evening. The goal posts seem to have some repellent charm about them as the forth kick for the evening is also missed. 10-5 with St Peter’s on the fore.

Once again Royal seems to be on the lower end as they battle out to even the scores. Peter’s seems to be in no mood to allow any opportunity either. Despite some hard time for the Royal side, their fans seem to be all the more confident as the pomp and cheer sees no decline. The 39th minute is up and all seems set for Peter’s to take their lead to the next half with Royal battling the sturdy Peterite defences beside the try line. Much struggling by both the scrum and the wings give the awaited try for Royal as the scores are evened once again. It’s Supun Warnakulasooriya, highest try keeper for the season who crosses the lines this time. The goal posts really don’t want anything passing between them as another conversion fails. Its 10-10 as the whistles go out for half time.

The fans seems to be livened with some sudden spurs of energy as the second half commences. The Royal side, known for its strong comebacks in the second halves throughout the season surely gave that extra enthusiasm to the crowds.

Play had just begun and the Royal side invigorated after some respite was soon pinning down their opposing side, making their advances to the try line. Just minutes had passed as the Peterite defences are invaded followed by Shawket Lahir landing just beside the uprights. The posts have lost their charm as the first conversion for the evening is marked on the 45th minute. Royal takes the upper hand with 17-10.

The game seems to have just began for the Royal side as they embark on a slow journey of building up that lead. The 60th minute sees some brilliant passing following by skipper Banuka Gamage dodging past the defences to land just beneath the uprights. Another conversion brings Royal’s lead to 24-10.

The Peterites not at all discouraged are up with their retaliation as the 70th minute sees the next try being scored on the Royal line. With the conversion missed, the scores settle down at 24-15.

The Royal team seems to be feeling threatened as they pull their game up once more to mark the next goal. A well-aimed kick by Gayal to Mahima Gamage sees Royal scoring once more in the 77th minute. Another successful conversion spins the score tables to 31-15.

The Peterites’ next move can definitely be called a fast come back as they score just a minute later. Conversion fails and score stands at 31-20 at 78 minutes.

With possession back to the Royal side, Peter’s is faced with some more difficult time as the scrum makes its usual advancements into opposing territory. Some brilliant passing sees Royal skipper Banuka Gamage scoring once again on the 80th minute raising the side’s score to 36-20. Conversion fails.

Peter’s still declining to give in chases their chances of victory with some strong play. 86 minutes into the game sees the Peterites scoring once again tilting the score in their favour to 36-25. Peter’s is having a hard time with their chances at the post as the conversion fails once again.

Minutes later after some truly intense play, the whistles go out marking another victory for Royal College. The evening comes to an end as the Royal vs St Peter’s 1st XV Rubgy Encounter concluded with Royal College emerging victorious and thus retaining the B C Anghie Trophy at Reid Avenue for yet another year.

Final Score: Royal 36 (3 G; 3 T ) : 25 (0 G; 5 T) St Peter’s