Close fight expected between Royal and STC for Orville Abeynaike Trophy

Will the Thomians break the 10-year hoodoo to win back the Orville Abeynaike Trophy this year? That’s the question being asked by all, the answer for which will be known when the two great schools confront each other at the 18th annual Royal-Thomian hockey encounter for the Orville Abeynaike Trophy to be worked off at the astro turf in Colombo tomorrow at 4.15 p.m.

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia dominated the series, winning the first seven years while Royal came back strongly, winning encounters continuously since 2007 and has been able to retain the shield since then.

This year Royal, led by centre half Pasindu Charuka, will face a great challenge from the Thomians, led by T.N. Dela. Both sides are brimming with confidence after the respective teams performed exceptionally at the local tournaments. 

In addition to the Orville Abeynaike Trophy to be awarded to the winners, there will be a trophy awarded to the Most Outstanding Player of the match.

The Under-15 match between both schools will commence at 2.00 p.m. while the Old Boys match for the Nihal Nilaweera Memorial Trophy will be played at 3.00 p.m.

All in all, an absorbing contest for supremacy is on the cards and will no doubt give great entertainment to the large crowd that is expected to be present.