Peterites pips Wesley

Milo President's Trophy 2019

Milo President's Trophy 2019 Winner -St. Peter's College.

• Milo President Trophy 2019

By Shamseer Jaleel

St. Peter’s 18 points

Wesley 15 points

St Peter’s College retained the 27th Milo President Trophy when they edged the dark horse of the tournament Wesley College 18/15 in a thriller at the Royal Sports Complex.

At the short breather Wesley led 15/8.

Both teams dished out quality running rugby with the double blues having an edge in early exchanges. The lads from Bambalapitiya hit back later in the first half but settled well in the later half. The game was tied at 15 apiece when the Peterites converted a penalty. Coming in to the last minute of play, Wesley too got an opportunity 40 meters out. They opted for a penalty which fell short of the posts.

Peterites scored first through Thenuka Nanayakkara penalty. Wesley, who were never out of the game, settled soon after with Tharindu Welpitage’s penalty. Through some powerful moves, Wesley attacked into the opponent half and their burly number eight Samuel Ogbebor went over for a superb pack leader try. Tharindu added the extra two points. The Peterites later in the half scored their only first half try when Shenal Silva touched down, helped by some good work by Senthika Fernando, charging clearance kick by Walpitage who took ages to clear. As a late tackle offence a penalty was given to Wesley, which saw lightning fast Samuel Ogbebor going over the try line uncited.

The Peterites settled well in the later half through Thenuka Nanayakkara to settle scores at 15 a-piece. They stayed on attack while Wesley made handling errors in the later part of the game. Thenuka Nannayakkar put over a penalty for the Bambalapitiya lads to take the three point lead, but Wesley too got the opportunity but from a difficult left corner 40 meters out. Tharindu kicked but fell short not only with the kick, but also from the Trophy after a lapse of six years.

Referee Dinka Peiris ended his 20 plus years in refereeing with a grand game.

- Pix by Chamila Karunarathna