Royal beat S’ Thomas to retain Michael Gunaratne Trophy

Monday, 28 August 2023 02:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Royal College outplayed S. Thomas College by 26 points (4 tries, 3 conversions) to 6 (2 penalties) to retain the Michael Gunaratne Trophy which was played at Mount Lavinia on Saturday.

At the short-breather lads from Reid Avenue led 14/3.

S’Thomas drew first blood early in the game through their fullback, Yehan Bulathsinhalage who put over a penalty for the lads from Mount Lavinia. It took Royal almost 30 minutes to cross the Thomian line. Their Scrum half Savithra Fernando dummied his way for a fine try. Nabeel Yahya added the extras. On the stroke of halftime Royal skipper Randul Senanayake went over for Royal’s second try which was converted once again by Yahya to take the short breather in their favor 14/3.

After the turn around, Thomians put over their second penalty of the game in the 45th minute of the game. If Thomians had an intention of making a comeback in the game that was short lived as the Royal skipper Randul Senanayake who had a grand outing, crossed the line once more for his second and teams third try. Yahya made a beautiful difficult angle conversion to take the lead further to 21/6. Senanayake scored his hat trick of tries to take Royal through to an easy win.

Referee was Raveen Alexander.

Royal ended the season on a high-note, winning the Bradby Shield, Maj Milroy Fernando Trophy, and Michael Gunaratne. They lost out on the Schools League ending second best to the Peterites. They pulled out of the President Trophy knockout rugby for unknown reasons.