Royal College produced a tremendous second-half rally to beat their arch-rivals St. Peter’s College 27-24 in a pulsating Inter-Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament Cup Championship fixture played at Bambalapitiya yesterday.
Royal were trailing 8-14 at half time but they clawed their way back with a superb second-half performance and went on to collect their points from two goals, two tries and one penalty, in their 78th annual encounter.
The Peterites responded with two goals and two tries. The lads from Reid Avenue regained the B. C. Anghie Memorial Trophy and also recorded their 53rd win over their opponents in the series, which commenced way back in 1932.
Even then, Royal went through some anxious last few moments as the home side threatened to snatch the game with back-to-back tries.
Earlier, Royal opened the scoring with an unconverted try early in the game before the Peterites staged a superb comeback to snatch the lead 7-5 with a beautifully executed try.
However, Royal hit back almost immediately as they took the lead once again 8-7 with a neat penalty shortly before the half time.
Royal’s lead was short lived as the Peterites bounced back magnificently with a converted try with the home side regaining the lead to 14-8 at the break.
Royal showed their true intention after the turnaround and stamped their class with a decisive try that helped them to snatch a one point advantage (15-14).
The visitors then went on to consolidate their position and extended their lead to a commanding 22-14 by scoring a magnificent try.
Royal then went on to add the finishing touches with another splendid try as they built up a significant 27-14 lead going into the last few minutes of the game.
Isipathana vs Wesley
Isipathana College came from behind with a magnificent performance to beat the unbeaten Wesley College 21-17 in their Inter-Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament Cup Championship encounter played at Havelock Park yesterday.
The reigning knock-out champions were trailing 5-10 at half time but they fired on all cylinders in the second half and went on to turn the game in their favour.
