Byron Fernando to grace first leg on 11 May

By Shamzeer Jaleel

The 75th Bradby Shield encounter between Trinity College and Royal College will be played on 11 May at Pallekelle. The second leg of the tournament which will be considered as a friendly will be worked off at the Royal Sports Complex on 25 May.  

Trinity 1982 skipper, Byron Fernando who is in Australia is expected to grace the occasion on 11 May at Pallekelle Rugby Stadium. Under his leadership in 1982 Trinity beat St. Peter’s 10/6, St. Thomas 12/6, St. Joseph’s 16/4, Wesley 19/4, St. Anthony’s 7/0, Vidyartha 23/3, Dharmaraja 28/3, Ananda 29/3, Royal 9/6 and 6/4. They lost out only to Isipathana 3/7. A try was awarded 4 points then in 1982. Outfit was coached by late Bertie Dias. Byron won his Rugby “Lion” in 1981. 

Trinity leads the series with 39 to Royal’s 33 with two encounters ending in ties. The oldest trophy on offer between the two prestige schools kicked off in 1945. Trinity last won in 2014 will be all out to keep safe custody of the trophy in Hills.