Trinity College clinched a thrilling victory over the favorites Royal College with a score of 17–16 in the first leg of the 78th Bradby Shield encounter, held at the Royal Complex.
The 78th edition of the school’s rugby showdown reached its zenith at a packed Royal Complex, where the home team started with a slight advantage. Both sides came out strong, with Trinity showcasing some promising attacking moves while Royal controlled much of the possession. As the match approached the 10th minute, Trinity conceded a kickable penalty for an offside infraction. Idris Farook took the opportunity, executing a perfect kick to open the scoring. (RC 03 – 00 TCK)
>>Royal bounce back to retain Bradby
Moments later, Trinity responded by closing out the three-point lead. They were awarded a penalty after an obstruction infringement by Royal’s No. 08, Ayyash Shiyam. Shaan Althaaf made no mistake with the straightforward penalty, levelling the score and keeping the game intensely competitive. (RC 03 – 03 TCK)
Trinity seized the momentum immediately after their penalty score, initiating a powerful rolling maul that pushed Royal backward. They sustained their pressure with a series of pick-and-drives, pulling in a significant number of Royal defenders to the breakdown. This relentless phase play created the ideal moment for playmaker Shaan Althaf, who delivered a brilliant tactical cross-kick. His precise pass found winger Murad Raizan, who dotted down for the first try of the match. (RC 03 – 08 TCK)
Royal quickly responded to Trinity’s try by opting for a penalty kick. Idris Farook made no mistake, reducing the deficit to just 2 points. Shortly after, Royal mounted another attack. Nabeel Yahiya made significant inroads inside Trinity’s 22-meter line, drawing in additional defenders. This created space for winger Fahad Nazaar, who powered over from a pick-and-drive to score under the posts. Farook converted the straightforward extra points, giving Royal the lead and shifting the momentum back in favour of the home side. (RC 13 – 08 TCK)
>>Spirited Trinity outsmart Royal in Pallekele
The game flowed smoothly as Royal asserted dominance in the final minutes of the half. They were awarded a kickable penalty but chose to gamble by kicking to the corner instead. Although they made some progress, Trinity’s defence stood firm, holding them off. As the teams went into the break, Royal maintained a 5-point lead.
Half Time: Royal College 13 (1T,1C,2P) – Trinity College 08 (1T,1P)
The Lions from the Hill Country came out strong in the second half, playing impressive rugby that saw them dominate both territory and possession. They applied relentless pressure on Royal, forcing the home side into a series of penalties. Trinity initially chose a scrum for a straightforward kickable penalty, but their plan went awry. After a few more phases, Trinity earned another penalty. This time, Shaan Althaf stepped up and delivered a stunning 48-meter kick, cutting the deficit and keeping Trinity in the hunt.(RC 13 – 11 TCK)
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Royal’s penalty count continued to rise as Trinity earned another penalty midway through the second half for holding on. Shaan Althaaf once again stepped up, this time slotting over an impressive 46-meter kick. With this crucial penalty, Trinity regained the lead, capitalizing on Royal’s disciplinary issues. (RC 13 – 14 TCK)
Momentum swung firmly in Trinity’s favour as they continued their relentless assault with rolling mauls and pick-and-drives. Despite their sustained pressure, they were unable to add any points, with Royal’s defence managing a brilliant hold-up on their final drive. Royal cleared the ball with a goal-line drop-out, which was collected by centre Usman Safarz. He swiftly passed to playmaker Shaan Althaf, who responded with a sublime 38-meter drop goal, extending Trinity’s lead and solidifying their advantage. (RC 13 – 17 TCK)
After enduring intense defensive pressure, Royal was finally rewarded with a penalty, which Idris Farook converted to keep them in contention. Following the restart, Trinity was awarded a penalty for an offside offense. However, Shaan Althaf’s kick narrowly missed, intensifying the game as it approached a dramatic finish. (RC 16 – 17 TCK)
>>Royal College Edge Trinity in Thrilling Encounter
Trinity maintained their attacking pressure, while the home team, Royal, continued their defensive efforts. By the time Royal finally regained possession, it was too late to alter the outcome. The match ended with Trinity securing a hard-fought victory. The Lions took home a crucial win and a solitary point to carry into the second leg in pallekele on 07th of September.
Full Time: Royal College 16 (1T,1C,3P) – Trinity College 17 (1T,3P,1DG)
NDB Player of the Match: Shaan Althaf (Royal College)
Points Breakdown
Royal College: 16
Fahad Nazaar 1T, Idris Farook 1C 2P
Trinity College 17
Murad Raizan 1T, Shaan Althaf 3P,1DG
