St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, stamped their class by defeating Kingswood College 17/12 in the final of the Under-18 All-Island School Elite Rugby Sevens, worked off at the Royal Sports Complex recently.
The Peterites produced an outstanding campaign with attacking flair throughout the tournament. They remained unbeaten on their way to the title, underlining the strength of their junior rugby programme and the depth of talent emerging from the school. In the final, it was the Randles Hills school who led for most of the match, but the lads from Bambalapitiya staged a timely comeback to seal the game in their favour.
In the group stages, St. Peter’s recorded impressive victories over Lumbini College (24-5), Dharmaraja College (24-17), Maliyadeva College (33-7) and Ananda College (15-10), before completing their successful campaign with a 17-12 victory over Kingswood in the final. The side was led by skipper Hashara Madugasge, with Shirash Perera serving as vice-captain. The squad also included Adeesha Nadunajith, Janik Abeygoonawardana, Tharul Hansana, Sandika Niuwanhella, Thenuka Samarakoon, Geon Rajith, Rashwin Sabar, Kaweesha Kawushalya, Sajjad Shabeen, Fouzan Ali, Linuka Liyanage, Nethinu Anthony and Thoshitha De Costa.
The success further highlights St. Peter’s long-standing contribution to rugby in Sri Lanka. The Bambalapitiya school has consistently produced talented players who have gone on to represent club, national and age-group teams, while playing an important role in developing the sport at school level.
Their commitment to producing skilful and disciplined rugby players has made St. Peter’s one of the recognised rugby nurseries in the country. This latest Under-18 Sevens triumph is another indication that the school continues to invest in and nurture the next generation of Sri Lankan rugby talent.
The team was coached by head coach Rajeew Perera, assisted by forwards coach Amila Chathuranga and backs coach Randi Fernando.