Royal College put last year’s penalty shootout demons to rest as they defeated S.Thomas’ College 5-3 on penalties, after it ended 0-0 in the 24th Annual ‘Blue Derby’ Football Encounter at the CR & FC grounds.
The two came into the game after having performed reasonably well over the past couple of months. Both teams also faced Trinity College, Kandy before this encounter where S.Thomas’ won 1-0 whilst Royal had to settle for a nil all draw.
De Alwis header punishes wasteful Trinity
Trinity, through some smart wing play, had a number of chances to break the deadlock, but failures on the part of their…
S.Thomas’ College regained the coveted trophy for the second time in their history at the 23rd Blue derby under the captaincy of Dion Dias and thus the Royalists came into the game hungry for a victory.
The first half began with both teams taking time to settle on the damp surface due to a slight drizzle prior to kickoff. After the game gradually opened up, it was the Thomians who dominated possession and gave the Royal goalkeeper Samal Agalawatte a hard time in goal.
The attacking entourage of Thomians exploited the Royal fullbacks and managed to get many crosses into the box but unfortunately none of them were able to be converted into goals. The half ended with Royal College completely on the back foot amidst the two shots on target they had which were handled with ease.
Half time – Royal College 0 – 0 S.Thomas’ College
As the two teams switched sides for the second half, Royal College seemed to be more focused and as a result their play seemed to split the Thomian defense. The Thomians seemed to have taken their foot off the gas as fewer chances were created than the first half.
The boys from Reid Avenue on the other hand were trying their luck at the Thomian goalkeeper Ishrath Raji who was in great form. Amidst all the chances that both sets of players had at the end of the 90th minute no one was able to break the dead lock and as a result the game moved on to the penalty shootout.
Full time – Royal College 0 – 0 S.Thomas’ College
With the immense pressure surrounding them, one by one the players made their way to take a penalty. Unfortunately for the Thomians they lost the shootout 5-3 with Senal De Alwis missing for the Thomians and Royal skipper, Ashraff Ali scoring the decisive penalty.
Penalty Shootout – Royal College 0(5) – 0(3) S.Thomas’ College
Awards
- Most Valuable Player – Mohamed Shishan
- Best Goalkeeper – Ishrath Raji
Junior Match Results
- U11 (A) – S.Thomas’ College 1 – 0 Royal College (Chayaan Kamalachandra)
- U11 (B) – S.Thomas’ College 3 – 2 Royal College (on penalties)
- U13 (A) – S.Thomas’ College 3 – 0 Royal College (Mahith Perera 1, Akill Gunathilake 2)
- U13 (B) – S.Thomas’ College 1 – 0 Royal College
- U15 – S.Thomas’ College 3 – 1 Royal College (on penalties)
