You can talk about the past and the memories of Bradby for years and years. However, Trinity has won the Shield the last four years on the trot since 2011. The burning questions is will Trinity make it #5inarow ?
In the league so far :
Both Royal and Trinity are unbeaten in the Singer schools league thus far in segment 1B. Although Trinity has scored 23 tries to Royals 22 after four matches, both have 21.50 total points each.
Trinity started their campaign against Dharmaraja in a try fest as they gave a losing bonus point for Rajans. Full time score was 50 – 37, in the second match they were too strong against the St. Anthony’s and went on to win 49 – 13. Then they came to Colombo to take on the Thomians and went over with ease 40 -15. In the week four the Lions had a real scare to pass the Science test as they won 22 – 17.
Is this the time for Royal ?
Royal certainly look favourites, after hammering S. Thomas 52 – 00 definitely thrived. 38 – 10 win over St. Anthony’s was their first game in the season followed by 37 – 22 win over Science College. It was not the best lot who started against the Rajans where they led 07 – 05 in the half time but finished with two more tries 17 – 05.
Watch out for:
Supun Warnakulasuriya (No8) v Isuru Rangala (Second row)
Two junior national players, Supun of course the second highest try scorer so far with 8 tries. He is in the form of his life this season controlling the forwards ever so smoothly. Lions captain Rangala although not scored any point has marshalled his troops to wins. He is also a brilliant defensive player and it would be a quest to sort out a ploy to stop the opposite driving maul.
Banuka Gamage (Center) v Sachintha Dissanayake (Center)
Both centers are in great form just before the big game. Royal captain Gamage has scored 5 tries so far in the league and Dissanayake has scored 4. When these two face each other it will be interesting to see who can sneak through the defense. Also both players have got a decent skill set with ball handling and dancing footwork.
Gayal Jayasinghe (Fly half) v Thusila Perera (Fly half)
The match will decide a lot on how these two fly halves play. Gayal was outstanding with game management and with his running game so far. Thusila who looks like a front row player is really capable at 10. However, the Trinitian got a knee injury against the science game and it is not sure whether he will start.
2011 captains view
Shehan Lema Pathirana (Royal) – “This is the time for Royal I am sure we will win this time around and both the forwards and three quarters in a good shape”
Murad Ramzeen (Trinity) – “As a Trinitian I would say we will win, as a spectator I would say the best team on that day will win
Men behind the scene
Sanath Martis (Royal) – Needs no introduction for Sri Lankans as he has built so many champions, despite last year’s Bradby loss, Martis have made his team look the favourites this year. Dushant Lewke who is a former Tuskers captain has put all his experience to the current forwards unit where the Reid Avenue strength is on.
Eric Miller (Trinity) – known figure in the world rugby the Irish played 10 years for Leinster and has 48 caps for Ireland also represented the British & Lions in 1997. As a third row forward Eric has great experience under his belt, therefore, it will be interesting to see how the Trinity forwards will control the Royals under Eric’s expertise.
Trinity Probable starting XV –
15. Sanushka Abeywickraa 14. Saranga Gunathilake 13. Ryan Weerakoon 12. Sachintha Dissanayake 11. Geshan Pethiyagoda 10. Thusila Perera 09. Anuka Boyagoda 08. Rukshan Dharmapala 07. Rajith Samarasekera 06. Anjana Bandara 05. Isuru Rangala (C) 04. Rahul Karunathilake 03. Nathan Chang 02. Nethmal Sakalasuriya 01. Shalinda Alahakoon
Royals Probable starting XV –
15. Ovin Askey, 14. Andrew Silva 13. Bhanuka Gamage 12. Akash Iddawela 11. Saabith Feroze 10.Gayal Jayasinghe 09. Ashok Wijekumar 08. Supun Warnakulasuriya 07.Shawket Lahir 06.Keshan Peiris 05. Chandula Jayasundara 04. Umesh Madhushan 03. Nikhil Gunadeera 02.Harith Lokugamage 01. Ayesh Maduranga
