A hat-trick from Royal Eighth-man Randul Bandara guided Royal College to the Micheal Guneratne Trophy, defeating S. Thomas’ College 06 (2P) – 26 (4T 3C) last evening (27th) at the Big Club Grounds in Mount Lavinia.
This victory meant the Royalists ended the 2023 season as League Runner-up, Bradby, Major Milroy Fernando and Micheal Guneratne trophy winners.
The home team managed a pair of penalties, one in each half, off the boot of Yehan Bulathsinghlage.
The visitors managed points first through Half Back Fernando as he darted home from close range to open the try-scoring for Royal College.
Randul managed one try in the first half as Nabil Yahiya knocked over both conversions to help take visitors to Lemons with an 11-point lead.
Half time: S. Thomas’ College 03 (1P) trail Royal College 14 (2T 2C)
The second half was another audition for Randul and Co. as they paid the Thomians dearly for their indiscipline.
The Royal No. 8 put in a mammoth performance, stealing the limelight and managing to help his team retain the Micheal Guneratne trophy for yet another year.
Yahiya added one of two kicks off the tee as the visitors left with the final piece of silverware for 2023.
Full time: S. Thomas’ College 06 (2P) lost to Royal College 26 (4T 3C)
- ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Randul Bandara (No. 8)
Points Breakdown:
STC: Yehan Bulathsinghalage 2P
RC: Randul Bandara 3T, Nabil Yahiya 3C, Fernando 1T
 – 26 (4T 3C) last evening (27th) at the Big Club Grounds in Mount Lavinia. ){kind=link}