Thepapare.com article headline read ‘Trinity overpower Wesley at Pallekale’ and so they did. The match took place on the 2nd of June 2018 at the Pallekale Rugby Stadium. This match also turned out to be Head Coach Lote Raikabulla’s last match as the coach of Trinity College.
Although many expected the game to be overpowered by heavy showers, the players and the spectators were blessed by only a slight drizzle. The match got under way with Trinity playing through their forwards and building phases, resulting in some good forward play.
Akitha Sakalasooriya stepped off one and dived over to score the first try of the match. Sakalasooriya converted his own try making the score 7-0. Few minutes later the Wesleyites worked the ball into space and scored their first. The conversion went astray, keeping the Trinitians in front by a mere two points. (7-5)
The Wesleyites took the lead after they converted a penalty right in front of the sticks. The scores read 7-8 in favour of Wesley. The Trinitians had a set back after Praveenda Wijethilake and Naveen Rajarathnam were given yellow cards.
Half Time Score: Trinity 7 vs Wesley 8
After the break, Trinity took the lead once again when center Warren Weerakoon got through the Wesley defence. Sakalsooriya made no mistakes with the conversion making the score 14-8. The lead was cut down when Wesley took a shot at goal and were successful. The score board was in favour of the Lions 14-11.
The pendulum swung both ways, but after some great work Neranjan Vitharane ‘put the icing on the cake’ after he dotted down for Trinity’s third try. Minidu Jayasundara added the extras. The referee blew the long whistle, which meant Trinity registered their first win in the 2nd Round.
Full Time Scores; Trinity 21 vs Wesley 11
Under 16 Results
The Under 16 game was a tight affair. After 30 minutes of good rugby the Trinity Junior’s got there noses in front.
Trinity 20 vs Wesley 19
This match being Coach Lote Raikabulla’s last match as the coach, the boys gave him a majestic send off. And, most importantly got him the win. He was not only a good coach, he was a great person and gave his utmost to bring glory to Trinity.
Review by Abidh Jameel
