Royal College Hockey soiled the Wesley grounds once again in the 11th edition of the Royal – Wesley Hockey Encounter, played for the Dudley K. G. De Silva Trophy.
Photos of the 11th Royal – Wesley Hockey Encounter 2018
Royal College were clear favourites coming in to this year’s encounter having won the Trophy for the past 4 successive years. Wesley College last saw the trophy to their name in 2011 and 2012 with 2013 being called a draw.
A Royal side led by Uchitha Wasudeva dominated the Wesley territory from the word go. Wesley’s defensive line was no match for the experienced forward line dressed in Blue and Gold who charged aggressively in the first 35 minutes of play.
Sharala Gunathilake opened fire for Royal in the 4th minute, immediately putting the pressure on the Wesley side. Wesley skipper, Chanidu Senevirathne and the rest of the back line stood helpless against the Royal attack, who only increased their lead going into half time.
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A 17th minute smacker saw Sachithra Madushan score Royal’s second goal of the match. Madushan shot his cannon at the Wesley net a few more times, but was not able to convert, although he helped immensely in retaining most of the ball possession and continued applying pressure on the Wesleyites.
Half Time Score – 2:0 (RC)
The second half was rather quiet compared to the first, with no goals in the first 20 minutes. This was the calling Royal striker Ravindu Ranasinghe needed to close out the game in style. He slapped one in off a corner shot in the final ten minutes of the match.
Final Score – 3:0 (RC)
This is Royals 5th consecutive win of the Dudley K.G De Silva Trophy.
