Royal edge out Trinity in nail-biter

Trinity line up for the player introductions ahead of the game’s commencement

The Forwards battle it out for the ball at the 71st Bradby Shield

Chief Guest Janaka Kiridena with Royal Principal Upali Gunasekera (L) and Trinity Principal Brig Udaya Ariyarante (R)

By Shamseer Jaleel

Royal College snapped their Bradby losing streak when they edged out the Trinity Lions by 23 points (3 tries, 1 conversion, 2 penalties) to 22 Points (3 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) at the Trinity College rugby stadium at Pallekelle last weekend.

At halftime the Lions led 12-10.

Trinity played well within themselves, grabbing the few opportunities that came their way and scoring. Royal dominated the encounter through some powerful play from their forwards for which Trinity had no answer. 

Trinity skipper Isuru Rangala led the side well. His defence as well as attacking play was remarkable. This was his first game this season playing at the Number 8 position after moving Rukshan Dhammapala to the flanker’s role. He too stood out for Trinity along with Rahul Karunathilake. 

Royal’s standout

s were Captain Bhanuka Gamage, Shabith Feroze and Number 8 Supun Warunakulasuriya.

Trinity missed no less than three penalty kicks and one easy conversion. Furthermore, in the last five minutes of play, a penalty was within kicking range, 35 meters out on the left corner and should have been taken by Fullback Saranga Gunatilake who got the distance in earlier kicks although they were misdirected. But they opted to go with Thisila Perera who could not gain the needed distance. 

The result sets things up nicely for the second leg on 23 May with Trinity sure to do everything in their power to retain the Bradby Shield after holding its custody for the last four years following the success of sides led by Murad Ramzeen, Kaneel Seneviratne, Halique Wadood and Tharinda Ratwatte.

Referee Dinka Peiris, who made his Bradby debut, had a grand game under pressure. Before the commencement of the match both teams were introduced to the Chief Guest, Trinity’s 1978 Captain Janaka Kiridena.