There’s nothing better in rugby than knowing you have the wood over your foe before walking into battle; when you have absolute supremacy to bash your opponent into submission – no matter how good they play on the day (it gets worse when they play badly as we saw Trinity do in the 1st leg).
That is exactly how and what Royal did to Trinity, despite being on cruise control (with the odd misfire of gears )on a highway, Sunday like drive, which lasted 70 minutes. Moreover, it is also how they will feel going into the second leg of the 74th Bradby Shield at Lion’s den, Pallekelle.
This on the biggest stage and game of their lives that was sadly very, very lopsided.
So, what did we learn from it and how does it augur for the all-important second leg? (or is it academic?)
#1 Royal prepare the best ….by a country mile:
In the game week, Royal simulated a brutal contact session with a very sturdy and at times, freight train like armed forces team.
They crashed, bashed and tried to wiggle out of tackles. Royal, in their meticulous preparation, did not force any rucks and thereby didn’t engage the breakdown. They then took this same prep to game day, stifling Trinity to a standstill as the Lions were often forced to move sideways and ended up giving away turnovers. Royal was brilliant and Trinity, not so much.
#2 The corner shop:
Every home team has their favorite spot on their own hallowed turf. In my playing days, it was the old gymnasium at the Royal Sports Complex (which looked nothing like it’s current set up) for very different reasons. The present lot seem to have a love for the left-hand corner, going downfield towards Torrington square. Time and again when awarded a penalty, they hoof it into touch, go for their No2 lineout jumper, set up their driving maul and OVER for a try. This, a consistent pattern with Royal over the years and now a sure-fire bet like death, taxes and their driving maul.
#3 Will the real Lions please stand up:
The Bradby shield is undoubtedly the greatest game in the career of anyone wearing the respective school’s jersey. It is a right earned through hard work and almost every schoolboy from RC and TCK aspire to. For some strange reason, the Lions forgot to read the memo or didn’t know how to express themselves. Looking listless and at times, lacking strategic direction, they kicked aimlessly and gifted possession. It was a strange, undercooked performance. Some would say it was a hidden lion missing the crouching tiger.
#4 The switch hit:
Earlier in the play, preseason to be precise, former Royal player Lennox Calyanarathne crossed over to Trinity. He is one of the few to have the unique distinction of representing both schools in Shield rugby. Playing in the pivotal No 8 position, he would have been expected to make an impact, a deep impact. Instead, as the 39-7 scoreline suggested, it and his transfer became a significant irrelevance. It’s hard to be critical of an amateur schoolboy sport but I question if SL 1st XV rugby is anything but that anymore? Transfer windows and “salary caps”, next?
#5 X-Factor:
The star of the first leg was undoubtedly Janidu Dilshan; at times like a bull in a China shop he wrecked and wreaked havoc on a fragile defense. Gifted with strength, structure and excellent technical skills, Royal was blessed to have this game breaker. His Hans Solo blitz on the left wing, after fielding another gift of a kick, underscored his match-winning abilities. Trinity, on the other hand, needs to run a “Trinity got talent” competition and hope they can find similar.
#6 Bragging rights:
As far as coaches for both sides go, Dushantha Lewke looks like Vladamir Putin to Lote Raikambula, on the verge of doing a David Cameron. The fortunes for both can’t be more further apart. Lote, the professional he is, attended his father’s funeral in New Zealand and hurried back in the morning to be with his troops, under significant pressure to deliver. Furthermore, Lewke having to be part of the record-breaking 2002 side which broke the record set by the 1998 RC team, has a unique opportunity to score a player-coach double should this side do so. That’s a 44 point buffer to meet.
The shield looks as good as gone with a whole game to go and this will test the TCK coaches fortitude and how much he can salvage from a sinking ship. Rugby and especially SL schools rugby is a Titanic of a competition and you sink fast if your team hits a big enough iceberg.
#7 Cruise control:
A few weeks back I had the pleasure of test driving a Bentley Arnage. A big beast of a car which Top gear described as “like riding a T-Rex bareback”. This Royal side is similar. You can happily cruise with minimum fuss and get into triple figures on a highway with consummate ease (with its 6.75 liters, Twin Turbo engine)…. which is pretty much what they did, dictate and control the game the way they saw fit.
There is, however, a sports mode and you really put the foot down, the T-Rex is unleashed. Wheel spinning, gas guzzling, throttle revving thunder which rips up the tarmac. I sense this is also in waiting for the second leg.
Trinity for their part will need to find a crash barrier, as for right now they seem like a un-tuned Honda Civic which needs urgent care from a quality mechanic.
Prediction:
Royal to continue on their merry way and look to mirror their successful template of blowing sides away with technical accuracy and sheer ruthless intent. Trinity will throw caution to the wind but would be lucky to avoid a train wreck like the Cassandra crossing.
Adjust the headset:
TMO needs better angles and cameras to work and avoid any further “controversy”. Perhaps it’s best he/she sits square on to the action rather than a tin roof shack behind the posts. I guess it all added to the authenticity of the drama.
Watch out for:
Janidu Dilshan to score a few more. This kid is like Lex Luger during the WWF days. A treat to watch in full flight. Royal front rowers challenging the TCK back three for 60-meter sprint off. Place your bets!
Wish for (or wishful thinking):
TCK to upset the apple cart which looks a very distant long shot and show some fight. Play an expansive game and not perish wondering. They have nothing to lose and should try living up to the proverb of “beware the wounded lion(s)”. On a lighter note , the broadcast to highlight more talent both on and off the field. It is after all a glamour event, like the Melbourne cup of SL rugby.
You can catch the 2nd leg of the 74th Bradby Shield LIVE on ThePapare.com on the 5th of May 2018 at 3.30 p.m.
