Royal College secured a hard-fought 22-19 victory over Trinity College in a pulsating encounter at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday (18th of August) as the Dialog Schools Rugby League run comes to an end for both the teams. This will set the stage for a potential Bradby Shield thriller to be take place at Royal Complex next week. Both teams played a match at this venue after 23 long years where they played their first leg of Bradby in 2001 here at Sugathadasa.
From the start itself Royal College dominated the first half, showcasing their prowess through a series of impressive tries. Naqueeb Mohomed initiated the scoring with a powerful driving maul, converted successfully by the Royal fly-half Idris Farouk to add the extras less than 5minutes into the game.
( RC 07 – 00 TCK )
The lead was extended when Amika Samarasinghe crossed the whitewash after slick hands moved the ball swiftly across the backline and this time around the Kicking duties didn’t go well for the fly half.
( RC 12 – 00 TCK )
Royal’s dominance was further emphasized as they capitalized on a Trinity infringement, with their fly-half Farouk slotting the penalty. Repeated infringements initially issued a yellow card for the boys from the Hill country where they conceded this costly penalty.
( RC 15 – 00 TCK )
The half concluded with a spectacular solo effort from Royal’s number 14 Mohamed Fahad, who showcased blistering pace to outstrip the Trinity defense and touch down in the far right corner. The conversion extended Royal’s lead to a comfortable 22-00 at halftime as Royal Tuskers being the standout performers of the Half.
Half Time: Royal College 22 (3T 2C 1P) – 00 Trinity College
Trinity emerged from the break with renewed determination and managed to breach the Royal defense through a driving maul of their own and scoring their first try of the game, getting the ideal start to the second half. However, they were unable to convert. Yasiru Ariyawansha was the man in charge of the driving maul who went to the touchdown.
( RC 22 – 05 TCK )
The game took a dramatic turn when Royal was reduced to 14 men following a dangerous tackle. Trinity capitalized on the numerical advantage, with their number eight Thisanga, crashing over from close range with some powerful carries. Shaan Althaf’s conversion narrowed the gap as this time he makes no mistake with the boot.
( RC 22 – 12 TCK )
With time running out, Trinity mounted a desperate comeback. Manusha Silva’s impressive break through the Royal defense ignited hopes of a remarkable victory. Althaf’s successful conversion brought Trinity within touching distance, but Royal held on to secure a thrilling three-point win.
( RC 22 – 19 TCK )
Idris Farouk was deservedly named Man of the Match for his outstanding contribution to Royal’s victory. This hard-fought encounter has undoubtedly set the stage for an epic Bradby Shield clash, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights.
Full Time : Royal College 22 (3T 2C 1P) beat Trinity College 19 (3T 2C)
- NDB Bank Player of the Match : IDRIS FAROOK (RC)
Points Breakdown:
Royal College : Naqueeb Mohamed 1T, Amika Samarasinghe 1T, Mohomed Fahad 1T, Idris Farook 2C 1P
Trinity College : Yasiru Ariyawansha 1T, Manusha Silva 1T, Thisanga Dissanayake 1T, Shaan Althaaf 2C
 as the Dialog Schools Rugby League run comes to an end for both the teams. This will set the stage for a potential Bradby Shield thriller to be take place at Royal Complex next week. Both teams played a match at this venue after 23 long years where they played their first leg of Bradby in 2001 here at Sugathadasa. ){kind=link}