The annual Trinity – Royal Hockey Encounter took place for the 13th year earlier this evening at the Asgiriya International Stadium. Prior to the all important trophy match, the U16’s battled it out to bring glory to their respective alma-maters.
However, after a close tussle both teams managed a draw, being tied up at 1-1 at the full time whistle.
From the whistle ball of the first half both teams managed to create considerable chances but it were the Trinitians who drew first blood in the nervous early exchanges of play. Spotting the space behind the Royal defence which was playing a little too up high, the Trinity winger after controlling a long ball, sent through a ball into the D for V.Wijethunga who smashed it home go take the lead.
After the goal Trinity dominated the first half pitching in with attack after attack although they were unlucky to not have scored anymore goals at the half-time break.
Half Time; Trinity 1-0 Royal
Second half started with the Royal team at unrest, searching for the equalizer playing a more aggressive style of play. They were also smart enough to leave a single sweeper at the back to negate any Trinity attack. Trinity however defended their hearts out to hold onto the slender one goal lead but a last minute goal by winger Thawiru Alahakoon saved Royal, snatching up a draw from jaws of a goal defeat. Trinity was caught napping in the right off field allowing Royal to sneak past before a smart training ground move into the forwards led Alahakoon through for a free shot at goal.
Full Time; Trinity 1-1 Royal
