Second leg of the 76th Bradby Shield: Trinity wins the Battle but lose the war

Trinity College made a bold comeback to beat Royal College by 26 points (4 tries, 2 penalties) to 21 points (3 tries, 2 penalties) win in their 2nd leg of the 76th Bradby Shield encounter which concluded at their Pallekele Stadium last weekend. But due to the higher aggregate (50 to 26) in both legs Royal will safely keep the shield for yet another year at Reid Avenue.

At the short breather Trinity led 10/8.

The game was played at a hectic pace with both teams dishing out excellent rugby. Trinity did dominate in the initial half but Royal stormed back later in the first half but Trinity showed a never give up approach to seal the game by five points in the end. 

For Royal their Hooker, Danuja Samararatne, Second-rower, Rahil Wijesekera and full back Nabeel Yehya played their hearts out with some superb rugby. Their forwards were omnipresent led by their hooker, Danuja Samararatne who was magnificent both in defence as well in attack. He was rock solid in defence as well.

For Trinity their forwards played their hearts out. Their three-quarter line was well marked. Trinity Fly half, Kovida Wickremasinghe playing as fly half was under pressure. He missed two easy penalties and two try conversions. Meanwhile their full back, Aathab Manzil gave a Lion-hearted performance with safe hands playing under pressure as a full back. His collection and attack was magnificent. Further he joined their three-quarter line whenever required. For the Lions, Bihindu Pananwala, Shamendra Dissanayake, Aathab Manzil and Sheveen Premaratne played their hearts out. Sheveen too had an ordinary first leg and came out firing on all cylinders. He dummied his way and his box kicks were well above expected standards. He was very confident in whatever he did at the packed stadium at Pallekele.

Royal put the points on board early as in the first minute of the game when Nabeel Yehya was on target with a penalty kick. Minutes later Trinity skipper, Lithmal Moragoda nursing with an injury collected a high ball and touched down fat right. It took only another five Minutes for Trinity scrum half, Sheveen Premaratne to score a solo try to take the lead 10/3. Trinity hooker Kaveesha Edema’s long throws never reached the line out jumpers which was costly but he settled later on. 

Royal scored their first try through Pasindu Heshan who dashed down the wing covering more than 40 meters for an unconverted try. This ended the initial half 10/8 favouring the home team.

After the turn around Royal took the lead through their hooker, Danuja Samararatne try. Minutes later Kovida Wickremasinghe was on target with a penalty kick to level the scores at 13 a-piece. Trinity hooker, Kaveesha Edema next touched down for Trinity. Kicking was far below standard for both teams as Kovida missed a sitter try conversion. Trinity Centre, Anuhas Kodituwakku taking over the kicking duties took Trinity further ahead through a penalty. 

Royal Full back, Nabeel Yehya too had his off day in kick at goal later put over a penalty for the Reid Avenue outfit to cut the deficit to five points. 

Trinity scrum half, Sheveen Premaratne dummied his way for his second try which caught the entire Royal defence on the blind side. Royal scored a consolation try in the injury time through Danuja Samararatne.

Referee Gihan Yatawara

Trinity Under 16 outfit beat Royal 19/6 to remain unbeaten in the season. Trinity outfit was led by Murad Raizan with Priyantha Gunaratne being the Head coach. 

(SJ)