Trinity ‘Lions’ secure three out of four trophies on offer

Friday, 27 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel Trinity rugby players were on a mission this season. They were out to secure the Bradby, Canon De Seram, Dennis Perera and the Singer League, which were on offer for them this season. One more to go this season – the Milo Knock out trophy. They won three missing out on the last one just by a whisker to Isipathana.

Trinity ‘Lions’ led by captain cool Tharinda Ratwatte did an excellent job on the field after their 12 points lead in the first leg, closely fought second leg in the Bradby Shield encounter at Pallekelle. So these youngsters allowed the Bradby to be kept at the ‘Lions’ den for yet another year. This is the fourth year running this stint started from Murad Ramzeen’s leadership continued by Kaneel Seneviratne, Halique Wadood and now Tharinda Ratwatte. Technical Advisor of the team Neil Footie, ably supported by Sean Wijesinghe (who gave up due to his commitment at Kandy SC halfway in the season) with Manoj Jayatissa (Manager), was with the boys most of the time. The Under 18 was coached by double international Pradeep Basnayake and Thusthita De Silva, who were able to remain unbeaten scoring points at will. Tharinda Ratwatte also became as in one of the rare occasions as father and son leading the Trinity outfit. They became the third pair after S.B. Madugalle and Dharmasiri Madugalle and the later on by R.G. Sourjah and Rohan Sourjah led Trinity.

With Royal’s four in a row record (2001-2004) now equalled, the ‘Lions’ will be aiming to beat the six in a row record by their own team from 1952-57. With the Rugby Scrummage looking after all the lads starting from juniors at under-10 to senior one at under-20, Trinity is really fortunate on the support and guidance from the past players plus Land Rover’s sponsorship funds put in to good use by Trinity. Trinity started off the Singer League well this season with a hand off against D.S. Senanayake with a smashing 61-0 win and then went on to beat St. Joseph’s 34-17. Their third outing though they had things their own way but with number of handling errors after having territorial advantage, were second to Isipathana by 17-21 which cost them the League this season. Then they overcame a spirited Wesley outfit 15-9 and the first leg of the Bradby against Royal 28-16 and beat Royal in the second leg as well. Then they continued their winning streak against Science 38-16, St Thomas 38-10, Kingswood 27-24 and St. Peter’s 29-22. In the end the young lads achieved what they really wanted that is the high priority for any Trinitian – the Bradby. They also regained the Canon De Seram trophy and Commander Dennis Perera trophy, which was on offer for the very first time against the Petrites. Excellent job was done by Trinity administration led by their sporty Principal Brig. Udaya Ariyaratne, who was the main man behind moving the Bradby venue from Bogambara Stadium to Pallekelle. On earlier instances Trinity were at receiving end hosting at this venue even without playing a single game of their home matches. With most of the facilities on board this venue is for sure to improve and next year will see a few more permanent stands up before the 71st Bradby. He was a tower of strength for the team and never missed a game home or away. He was even seen at practice session at Pallekelle as well. He was well supported by Prefect of Games Somasinghe and hard-working Master-in-Charge Prabath Senanayake.