Trinity College Kandy made it “four in a row” as they clinched victory at the 2nd Leg of the 70th Bradby Shield Encounter concluded at the Pallekelle Rugby Stadium yesterday.
It was no doubt a ferocious battle at the Pallekelle Stadium with the lads from Royal College virtually giving out life and limb to go beyond that 12 point deficit with intentions yielding high to take home that coveted shield back to Reid Avenue. They toiled hard on the field, countered the mighty three quarters of the Lions but yet to their dismay that astounding win was not forthcoming.
The Lions coming in to the second leg at Pallekelle with a 12- point cushion were taken by a much fitter and complete Royal outfit at Pallekelle and the Trinitians undoubtedly took on the challenge in countering the Colombo lads preventing any of them to lay a hand on that coveted shield.
Amidst the tens and thousands of fans gathered around the pavilions of Pallekelle, referee Irshad Cader called the game to a start. Both teams from the very start opted to a very aggressive attacking style of play with both the Lions and the Royals trying to draw first blood. It seemed that Royal College had done their homework over the fortnight and spared no quarter for the running backs of Trinity. However, it was the Trinity skipper who received the opportunity of drawing first blood towards the 15th minute when he kicked a 24 meter penalty through with ease. (3-0)
Royal understanding the elapsing deficit opted to go for touch at many occasion knowing the fact that their forwards are their forte in their playing virtue. However, skipper Nimshan Jaywardena carrying his form from the first leg, kicked a 25m at the 30th minute of play to equalize scores once again (3-3).
With the game still even, it was Royal who knew the meaning of being in this position since they required a further 12 points for the miraculous attempt. Skipper Ratwatte put through another successful penalty minutes before play was called for lemons and that concluded the story for the second half. (6-3)
The scorecard does not visualize in the slightest the gameplay that took place on the field. Both teams being equally equipped in the defensive line, held their stance to the last inch with not letting any single opponent passing through. The Royal defenses spared no Trinity wing three and vice versa the Trinity forward line held its nerve to the last inch.
This however had a slight drawback towards the second half as the second half started with skipper Nimshan equalizing the second half tally with a penalty 6-all. Five minutes into play, his counterpart Ratwatte replied with 35m penalty to lever up the Trinity score to 9-6. It was then that skipper Nimshan came to actualization of the fact that attacking from their zone is futile under this defense. Thereby he kicked in a well-executed one which gave Royal the lineout at the 5m. Taking advantage of placement, the Royal forwards shoved giving their hearts out which finally ended up on the try line.
That Royal try changed the entire perspective of the game where the silent Royal park were once again in high spirits knowing the fact they had something to cheer about. Though skipper Nimshan failed to kick it over, it gave Royal the lead for the first time in the second leg. (11-9)
Both team countering the incoming defense made their three quarters toil hard for their points. This in fact brought Trinity to their senses soon and Ratwatte opted to go for the kick and chase option where he cleanly executed an angled kick which NO8 Isuru Rangala picked and planted for the Lion’s first try (14-9). With Ratwatte kicking a 44m conversion, the Lions were back on the driving seat at 16-9.
The Blue & Gold takes the respect for being a side which did not give up until the last moment. Instead they fought tooth and nail till the very last minute. Their efforts once again saw a harvest as they took clear advantage of the Trinity pack to repeat their attempt; this time in the right flag for the second try (15-16). This was a result of hard work in the middle phase of play and with the coversion going through, the Lions were back again trailing 16-17.
Skipper Ratwatte’s worries weren’t as severe as the ones which were running through the thoughts of Nimshan. They needed 8 points! But the adamant Lions did not opt to leave out on a loss at their home den in this 70th encounter. Ruling out a Royal win in the Lion’s Den, Ratwatte kicked a 38m penalty to seal the win in this encounter and take home school rugby’s prestigious prize for 2014. With scores staying still at 18-19, the three long blows off the referees whistle came through, the ground erupted with a sense of euphoria.
The Trinitians will have much to celebrate but though the Royalists faced a defeat with an aggregate of 47-34, the lads from Reid Avenue gave in their hearts and souls on the field to bring back the shield; it was inadequate. It has to be said that Trinity too had their shortcomings in their game play but with such factors prevalent, Royal did not possess the energy to go beyond and make history.
With Ratwatte walking the flight of steps to join his team mates to lift the coveted shield, it marked a degree of authority of the Red, Gold & Blue over this prized possession as they retain the shield for the fourth consecutive time. This was the second occasion in the 21st century of this happening, the previous being by Royal College in the years 2001-2004. Ratwatte also bagged a piece of history being the only father-son duo to have lifted the coveted shield.
With this concludes another epistle of the Bradby Shield while the celebrations will continue for some time and this would undoubtedly be an inspiration for both teams as they proceed to the second round of the schools league.
