Three try second half was sufficient as Royal College regained the Michael Gunaratne trophy defeating arch rivals S. Thomas’ College at home, 14-31.
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Royal displayed a five star second half to dismantle S. Thomas’ College on their home turf, regaining the Michael Gunaratne trophy.
The game was predicted to be another affair dominated by the Royal forwards but early signs displayed a different show with the Royalists deciding to spread the ball wide giving the Thomians different worries to think about.
Janidu Dilshan proved to be a thorn in the Thomian flesh on every occasion the Royalists spread the ball wide.
Even though Royal College used their wide runners, the forward pack dominated proceedings in usual fashion.
Center Dilshan used his supreme vision spotting a mismatch in the midfield following an onslaught by the Royal forwards, to get first points on the board. Shakir Nawfer added the extras with ease. (STC 00-07 RC)
The hosts struck soon after through a try from returning number 8, Christian De Lile. The experienced forward was duly missed but delivered on return.
De Lile came in short diving over the white wash to make it a two point game with the kick to come. Dion Dias converted to restore parity. (STC 07-07 RC)
The game was a side to side affair with both teams spreading the ball wide.
Sabith Feroze made the Thomians pay for being fancy in their own 22. The winger pounced on the loose ball, scoring one of the easiest tries this season. Nawfer failed with the touch line conversion. (STC 07-12 RC)
Royal continued to dominate with their back line running riot against a fragile Thomian defence.
Inside center Tulaib Hassan made a dazzling break through the heart of the Thomian defence, only to be brought down by opposition captain Naveen Henakankanamge in a try saving tackle.
The try saver seemed the spur on the Thomians as they struck on the stroke of halftime to go into the beak with a two point surprise lead.
The Thomians piled pressure on the Royal defensive line as the visitors conceded three penalties in quick succession. Haritha Senanayake pounced, taking a quick tap from a resulting penalty. Dias converted as the first half ended.
Half Time: S. Thomas’ 14 (2T 2C) – Royal College 12 (2T 1C)
The second half was dominated by the Royalists both in attack and defence, scoring thrice and not conceding a single point.
Janidu Dilshan along with his backline continued to distress the Thomian back line and when Shenouk Perera saw yellow for a stamp, Royal smelled blood.
Feroze was at hand to score his second of the game, following a Henakankanamge break. He broke to good effect but was isolated turning the ball over.
Three phases following the turnover, the Royal winger received the ball, dashing past the cover defender to touchdown in the corner. Nawfer added the extras, grabbing the lead back in favour of the visitors. (STC 14-19 RC)
Royal’s kicking game was functioning as smoothly as their lineout and maul with the backs pinning the Thomians in their own half.
The lads from Reid Avenue turned over a line out in their opposition 22 and five phases later, Rishmal Fernando outsmarted his opponents, crashing under the post.
Nawfer continued his good day with the boot, adding the extras. (STC 14-26 RC)
The hosts showed glimpses of promise but failed to convert it into points as the game was heading into the final dozen minutes of the game.
The Royalists lost a man in what seemed to be a dodgy yellow card for K. De Silva but the man disadvantage did not stop the visitors from sticking the final nail in the Thomian coffin.
Yasis Rashmika was the man to do so, Ovin Askey, stabbied a grubber in behind the Royal back line and the bounce of the ball went the way of the winger as he dotted down. Nawfer failed with the touch line conversion but the game was all but put to bed by the visitors. (STC 14-31 RC)
With time being their enemy, the hosts staged a final attack but the visiting defence was up to the task, not letting their foot off the pedal.
Minutes later, the Thomians were put out of their misery as referee Irshad Cader blew for full time.
Full Time: Royal 31 (5T 3C) beat S. Thomas’ 14 (2T 2C)
ThePapare.com Player of the match: Janidu Dilshan (RC center)
Coach Sanath Martis shared his views following the game “We came with a clear game plan, which was to exploit the Thomian backline. We stuck to it and was duly rewarded with the win”
Points Breakdown
S. Thomas’: Christian De Lile, Haritha Senanayake, Dion Dias 2C
Royal: Janidu Dilshan, Sabith Feroz 2T, Rishmal Fernando, Yasis Rashmika, Shakir Nawfer 3C
