Second half rally takes Royal through

A superb second half burst took Royal through, in order to keep safe custody of the Michael Gunaratne Trophy rugby encounter, when they got the better of Thomians 26/20 at Royal Sports Complex last weekend.

At the short breather Thomians led 17/12.

Royal after trailing 12/20 stormed back with two tries in the last quarter of the game to snatch win in the 67th annual encounter between the two esteemed institutions in the country. Ayyash Shiyam and Yuwan Pathirana scored their last two tries for the winers.

Royal scored their points through 4 tries and 3 conversions while Thomians replied with 2 tries, 2 conversions and 2 penalties.

Farahad Nizar touched down for Royal in the 4th minute of the game, when they drew first blood. Idrees Farouk added the extras. Yehan Bulathsinghalage put the Thomians on board through a penalty kick, but Royal hit back through their second try courtesy Yuwan Pathirana to take the lead 12/3.

Thomians hit back through their first try scored by Dehan Senarathne, which was converted by Yehan Bulathsingalage to cut the deficit to 2 points. On stroke of half time whistle, Deshan Senarathne scored his second try, which Yehan converted to the lead for the visitors at 17/12.

After the turn around Royal pack leader, Ayyash Shiyam touched down. Idrees added the extras. Another few minutes later, Yuwan Pathirana touched down for the Reid Avenue boys which Idrees added the extras.

Referee was Clement Isaac.

(SJ)