Trinity out to retain Canon de Saram Trophy

By Shamseer Jaleel

Trinity ruggerites will be facing one of the most difficult tasks in order to maintain their unbeaten run in the Singer League 2016 Division I, when they confront the Thomians. This game will be played for the Canon De Saram trophy which will take place at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekelle today.

Kick-off is scheduled at 4.15 p.m.

Trinity will be led by lanky second rower and national youth player Rahul Karunathilake. Trinity won all three of their games beating Wesley (7-6), Joes (40-14) and DS (65-0). While the Thomians too won all three matches beating Joes, DS and Royal in their last outing. So far, the Thomians who are enjoying one of their best seasons for a long time secured the School Sevens Lady Jayathilake trophy and Michael Gunaratne shield.

Karunathilake, who becomes the 100th Trinity rugby Captain, has some exceptional talent in players such as Ayesha Edirisinghe, Shanushka Abeywickrema, Geeshanth Pethiyagoda and Lashan Wijesuriya. They are coached by former Ireland Test player Eric Miller. The Trinitians’ strength is their speedy three quarter line. The Thomians led by Pandula De Silva, have two quality players Lasantha Dabare, Naveen Heenakankanmge and full back Mayun Jayawardena in their starting line-up. The Thomians are coached by former CR&FC, Kandy SC player and Havies Coach Samoan “Laga”. This series between Trinity and the Thomians started in 1978, with Trinity defending the shield this year. The last Thomian win was in 2013 under Devin Jayasinghe. Trinity lead the tally 22 to 14 with one game ending in a draw.