Petes struggle to down Joes

St.Peter’s - 18
St. Joseph’s - 0

By Rangi Akbar

St.Peter’s struggled for most part of the game to pull off a 18-0 win over St. Joseph’s in their Milo President’s Trophy knock-out rugby football game played at the Royal Complex yesterday. The Peterites led 8-0 at the breather. The Petes points were made up of three tries and a penalty.

Go St.Peter’s go! This Peterite player has determination written all over his face as he sprints through the Josephian defence. Action from the Joe-Pete Milo Priseident’s Trophy rugby game yesterday which St.Peter’s won 18-0. Pic by Gemunu Wellage

The Peterites were clear favourites to win the encounter specially since they were league champions and had recorded a hard fought win over the Joes in the league. But the Joes fought ferociously in the knock-out game yesterday and very nearly pulled off an upset if not for the blunders caused yesterday.

For starters their place kicker was off colour and missed at least three penalties within kicking distance. When they did have the ball they were hesitant thus allowing the Petes to swarm all over them. The Joes however tackled with gusto thus putting paid to many Peterite moves.

St. Peter’s surged into the lead mid way in the first half when Harsha Weerakkody over a 30 meter penalty.

Winger Jerald Canute, who was seen doing his utmost to score, finally had the chance that he was waiting for when he sprinted down irresistibly to score far left to put St. Peter’s ahead 8-0 at the breather. St.Peter’s found their rhythm on resumption when skipper Haren Ariyawardena barged over for a try mid far right to lead 13-0.

Minutes later Peterite prop Nimantha Karunaratne broke through a tight cordon of Josephian forwards to score.

Mr, Aruna Jayasekera refereed. According to Peterite coach Sanath Martis, they will next meet the winners of the St. Anthony’s Katugastota vs Ananda game.