by Mike Andree
It was thrilling soccer fare all the way, at the Sugathadasa Stadium, on Thursday, as the Peterites came up with a superb second half display to baffle traditional rivals, St. Joseph's, to win the Rev. Fr. Stanley de Silva Challenge Trophy.

Held to no score at half time, the Peterites played with more determination, in the second half, to rattle the Josephian defence, and score a two nil victory, with Niranjan Sudargar and Aloy Fernando beatin the Josephian custodian.

The Josephians, coming into the game with a big reputation and all out to retain the trophy, set a hectic pace and came close to scoring on a number of occasions, especially in the second half, but found the Peterite custodian Nishard Perera, who was at his brilliant best, blocking their path to the net.

The Rector of St. Peter’s Rev. Fr. Felician Ranjith Perera, Prefect of Games Rev. Fr. Sunil Ranjith and Master in Charge, Sarath Francis worked hard with the team, coached by Tissa Kodituwakku and gave them all the encouragement needed to topple their rivals and annex the trophy. The Josephians, with a long history of soccer behind them, were dubbed the favourites, but they were in for a surprise against a team of Peterites, who were in no mood to let the reputation of their rivals get in their way. They kept the Joes well in check and and completely outplayed them in all departments to walk away deserving winners.

Former Josephian soccer player of repute, Tony Direksz was the chief guest.