Once more, the under 16 Rugby team treated spectators to a spectacular victory at the Pallekelle Rugby Stadium from 30th September to 1st October. This time at the SLSRFA Under 16 – Schools 10 A-Side Elite Rugby Tournament 2023.
The team emerged as a promising group of young gentlemen making their alma mater proud.
We acknowledge the commitment of Masters: K. A. S. A. Jayasena, D. M. T. B. Udakumbuka, J. K. Weerakoon, D. M. B. U. B. Dissanayake, H. Abdeen, U. S. B. Wijekoon (C), M. A. A. Shan, D. G. N. S. Kumarasinghe, M. Y. M. N. Yaddehige, D. D. R. Ambepitiya, M. N. M. Bilal, M. D. De Silva, D. M. M. I. Dissanayake, M. S. A. Muksith, A. Manzil, G. V. B. Karunaratne, V. V. Indusara, and R. W. A. Malik, whose team management and collaboration paved the way for a magnificent victory.
The Trinitians remained undefeated during the whole tournament. The invincible run started with three rounds on the 30th of September. Their first was against Nalanda College. TCK dominated their first game, scoring a daring 62 points to none, against the Nalandian outfit.
This match, gave the lions confidence as they went into their second battle of the competition against Maliyadewa College, where they secured a commanding victory, scoring 34 points to nil.
The last match of the 1st day for the home team was played against Kingswood College. Towards the dusk on Pallakele Rugby Stadium, Trinitians experienced a comfortable victory once again for the third time consecutively that particular day. The score read, 19 to 5 in favour of Trinity College.
The knockout rounds on the 1st of October commenced with Trinity facing the tough opponent from St. Thomas’ College. The match was contested brilliantly by both sides which provided just one score from Trinity. The scoreboard was in favour of Trinity, seven to nil.
The victory saw Trinity qualify for the semifinal against the worthy team of Zahira College. This match perceived the Trinitians scoring 17 points, to one conceded try from the Zahirian outfit. The match was in favour of the lions by a comfortable margin. Jubilant Trinitians qualified for the grand finale against D. S. Senanayake College.
The stage was set for these two titans to battle it out for the incredible title in this all-island tournament. The finale started off great for the Trinitians, making big hits and breaking the defensive line. TCK showed exemplary defense as the opposition did not enter their 22 meters. At half time, no numbers were shown on the scoreboard. Trinity however, showed promise as they managed to clinch a try in the closing minutes. The title-deciding try was scored with great set pace and teamwork.
This success was a well-deserved one for Trinity but, kudos to D. S. Senanayake College for their incredible efforts and making it to the final. The Trinitians experienced the taste of double victory when the winger, Dimath Ambepitiya, was also awarded the Best Player. Trinity extends their heartfelt gratitude towards the coaches and the teacher-in-charge for their exuberant efforts toward the tournament.
