By Chaniru Senhas & Rehan Anandakumar (Web Content Team)
Trinity College defeated Royal College, Colombo in the first leg of the 78th Bradby Shield, 17-16, at the Royal Complex, on the 24th of August 2024. The 78th round of this classic school rugby rivalry culminated at a crowded Royal Complex, where the host team started significantly ahead. Both sides demonstrated their capabilities, with Trinity executing promising attacking plays and Royal dominating possession. Thanks to the professional refereeing on display, the game was closely monitored for fairness and accuracy. Trinity gave a kickable penalty for offside in the 10th minute, and Idris Farook took advantage of the opportunity, kicking the ball perfectly to open the scoring. (RC 03, 00 TCK)
Trinity swiftly evened the score after Royal’s No. 08, Ayyash Shiyam, committed an obstruction infraction. Shaan Althaaf smoothly converted the simple penalty, keeping the game intensely contested. (RC 03–03 TCK) Trinity then seized momentum, executing a strong rolling maul that knocked Royal backward. Their continuous pressure through a series of pick-and-drives forced Royal’s defenders to the breakdown, providing the ideal opportunity for Shaan Althaf to execute a fantastic tactical cross-kick to winger Murad Raizan, who scored the match’s first try. This phase of play was executed under the watchful eyes of the professional refereeing team, ensuring that the game was played within the rules.(RC 03-08 TCK)
Royal promptly responded with a penalty kick by Idris Farook, cutting the lead to two points. Shortly after, Royal launched another attack, with Nabeel Yahiya making considerable gains within Trinity’s 22-meter line. This drew more defenders, allowing winger Fahad Nazaar to score under the posts following a pick-and-drive. Farook converted the simple extra points to give Royal the lead and move the momentum back in their favour. (RC 13–08 TCK)
The game moved well, with Royal asserting authority in the dying minutes of the half. Despite being granted a kickable penalty, Royal chose to kick to the corner, but Trinity’s defence stood firm. The professional refereeing ensured that every decision was fair and unbiased, contributing to the tension and excitement of the match. Royal led by five points at halftime.
Halftime: Royal College 13 (1T, 1C, 2P) over Trinity College 08 (1T, 1P).
Trinity dominated the second half, controlling both territory and possession. Their constant pressure compelled Royal to commit a series of penalties. Trinity’s initial scrum pick for a simple penalty went astray, but they quickly got another penalty. This time, Shaan Althaf hit a remarkable 48-meter kick to cut the gap and keep Trinity in the contest. (RC 13–11 TCK)
Trinity took advantage of the situation once more as Royal’s penalty count increased, and Shaan Althaf rose to the occasion with assurance. With a superb 46-meter kick, he earned his team the lead back. (RC 13–14 TCK). Trinity’s momentum grew at this point in the match, making it an important turning point. With rolling mauls and strong pick-and-drives, they applied constant pressure to Royal, but Royal’s defence held strong, including a valiant hold-up on Trinity’s last drive. The ball was cleared by a goal-line drop-out and ended up in Trinity centre Usman Safarz’s. He passed without hesitation to the highly effective Shaan Althaf, who extended Trinity’s advantage and further cemented his influence on the game with a cool, composed 38-meter drop goal. This crucial play was overseen by the professional refereeing team, whose precise calls ensured the integrity of the match. (RC 13–17 TCK).
Intense defensive pressure did not stop Royal from earning a penalty, which Idris Farook carefully converted to keep them in the hunt. Trinity was given a penalty for offside after the restart, but Shaan Althaf’s kick just missed the line once more, setting up a suspenseful conclusion. (RC 16–17 TCK). Trinity kept up the constant pressure, but Royal’s defence held firm. Even when Royal managed to take control again, time was not on their side. After a hard-fought war, Trinity prevailed, and Shaan Althaf’s genius was a major contributing factor to their victory. They will now go into the second leg in Pallekele on September 7th with a crucial advantage.
“The boys worked really hard today, especially in the second half. It’s not over yet, and we’ll be coming stronger in the second leg.”
– Shaan Althaf
Source: ThePapare.com Facebook
The Bradby Shield is a celebration of sportsmanship, determination, and the unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in every player on the field. It is more than just an intense rivalry between two famous schools. This spirit of Bradby was embraced throughout the first leg, as every play, tackle, and kick captured the essence of the match. The teams’ incredible talent and undying devotion served as a reminder that Bradby is more than a game; it is a tradition that forges lasting friendships and character. Hence, these moments will live on in the memories of players, coaches, and spectators alike. When the final whistle blew and the cheers reverberated through the stadium, it was with these cheers that roll that we may look back on our own great and jolly days with heartfelt pride.
We thank and congratulate Master Anuhas Kodithuwakku, the team captain, Master Shaan Althaf, the NDB Player of the Match, the entire team and the head coach, Mr. Fazil Marija, for their immense determination and enthusiasm which made such a victory possible. Furthermore, we express our sincere gratitude to the parents of all the team members for their guidance and support throughout their Rugby Journey, and the Professional Refereeing which ensured fair and clean gameplay throughout. Additionally, we thank the following sponsors for their support and services at the 78th Bradby Shield Game.
This year’s Trinity 1XV Rugby Team is proudly supported by a range of esteemed partners. NDB Bank serves as the Team Sponsor, while SLT MOBITEL is the Telecommunications Partner. Co-Sponsors include Softlogic Life, Schokman & Samerawickreme, Araliya Group, and Montreal Consultants. The Food Partner is Prima Kottu Mee, and the Official Equipment Partners are Ralhum Sports and Gilbert.
