The Trinity College 1st XV rugby team kick started the season with the annual match against the Old Boys on the 2nd of February 2019 at the Pallekele Rugby Stadium.
Prior to the big game, the junior age groups played their first games too. The U12 team displayed some good talent as they played against each other in a friendly game. The team is coached by Mr Y.M.S. Rathnayake and old boys Sanushka Abeywickrama, Anuka Boyagoda and Diluksha Dange. The U14 team showed great skill and talent as they played a few games too.
The U16 team coached by Mr A. Rankothge and Mr Damith Dissanayake played a friendly game against Sri Rahula College, where they showed great determination as they are in the midst of getting ready for the Under 16 League. They will play the same schools that the senior team plays against.
The U18 team played against Sri Rahula College as well. The team will look to bring back all the trophies that come along their way, especially the Simithraaratchy Trophy against Royal College, Colombo.
After the junior games, the much awaited clash was all set for kick off. The 2013 Captain Halique Wadood led the Old Boys this year. The 1st XV game started at 4pm with the Old Boys wearing the jerseys they wore during their school days. 2017 Vice Captain Anuka Boyagoda kicked off the match.
The match was played as 4, 20 minute chuckers, and it is intended to help the present 1st XV team to correct rectify any mistakes before they play their first match of the Schools’ Rugby Season. At the end of the last chucker the scores were level courtesy of a last minute, converted try by the Old Boys.
Final Scores: Old Boys XV – 12 ( 2T, 1C) – Present 1st XV – 12 ( 2T, 1C)
The Man of the Match award was shared by Rahul Dhiren and Tehan Karunanayake.
The newly appointed 1st XV Rugby Captain for 2019 Reshan Bandaranayake and his deputy Dhiren Ratwatte will be looking forward to a successful season. The season is scheduled to start on the 1st week of March against Zahira College, Maradana.
Review by Abidh Jameel
