Reviewed by Shaluka Herath and Nimuthu Pathiraja
This is not just a review but rather a reflection on the hopes of all Trinitians, the efforts of the players, and the yearning for the Bradby Shield. A hunt that began in 2015 ended with the game down to a last-minute nail-biter, made all the more thrilling by the charge of the Lions.
After a close first leg at the Royal Sports Complex, where Trinity gained a minor advantage of one point, the second leg was set up to be a tense and decisive 70 minutes.
Pallekele was ready. The atmosphere was unlike anything seen before. Both Royalists and Trinitians were ready to cheer themselves hoarse, each determined to support their team to the fullest, The Lions had been treated to a very simple yet meaningful send-off on Friday, which undoubtedly helped boost the confidence of the players and added additional excitement and anticipation to the game
The First Half
The NDB drone passed the ball to Royal’s Idris Farook to kick off the game. A valiant offense by Royal from the get-go put immense pressure on the Trinity defense, which struggled to keep them out. Royal’s Yuwan Pathirana kicked the ball through the defense and collected it to successfully put the first points on the board within the first two minutes of the game. Subsequently, Yahiya Nabeel executed a perfect conversion kick to extend their initial lead. (RC 07-00 TCK)
However, Royal conceded a penalty soon after the try, which Trinity seized, to get off the mark with a kick at goal. Shan Althaf, the young kicker, made no errors to close in on Royal (RC 07-03 TCK). The match was in full swing as both teams displayed outstanding teamwork and determination to try and bring home the coveted Bradby shield.
While in a disadvantaged position, Trinity side was reduced to fourteen as Minula Yaddehige received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, which added to the pressure. Even though Royal pushed on this advantage, the once-broken defense bounced back to stop the charge. Trinity skipper Thisanga Dissanayake thwarted his Royal counterpart Thivain Perera’s effort with a timely intervention on the try line.
Moments later, kickers on both sides got their opportunity as each side conceded penalties. Opting for a kick at goal, Trinity’s Shan Althaf displayed his abilities to even the aggregate, but Royal’s Idris Farook helped regain the lead on the aggregate with a stunning kick (RC 10-06 TCK).
Through a beautiful push by the Lions, Yewan Hulangamuwa was able to kick the ball over the Tuskers, giving Minula Yaddehige the path to bounce back from his yellow card with a magnificent try. He gathered the ball and crossed the line. In similar fashion, Shan Althaf converted the try to return the lead to Trinity (RC 10-13 TCK).
Despite such a comeback from the Lions, the first half saw a continuation of Royal’s initial dominance. A penalty conceded by Trinity allowed Royal’s Yahiya Nabeel to level the scores after choosing to kick the ball to goal. Royal ended the first half with something for Trinity to reflect on, in the dressing room. A much-anticipated maul gave Royal’s Ayyash Shiyam the opportunity to dive deep into enemy territory to secure their second try, which was converted by Idris Farook to finalize a 7-point lead.
Half Time: Half Time: Trinity College 13 (1 try, 1 conversion, 2 penalties) – Royal College 20 (2 tries 2 conversions, 2 penalties)
Second Half
The second half proved to be one of redemption for Team TCK. While charging towards points as a team, Trinity defense also remained resolute, giving no opportunity for points to be scored. Trinity, deciding to capitalize on a penalty, allowed Shan Althaf to put the boot to ball and score the first points of the half, marking the initial offense as a fruitful one (RC 20-16 TCK).
The game became intensely dramatic with only five minutes remaining on the clock, after a long back-and-forth, Trinity got the chance to even the aggregate again as a penalty was awarded for Royal’s shortcoming in rolling away at the breakdown. Shan Althaf managed to seize the opportunity with a magnificent kick, after which three more points were added to the board in favor of Trinity with yet another flawless penalty, setting Trinity at an advantage (RC 20-22 TCK).
However, this lead was short-lived as Royal’s Yahiya Nabeel managed to level the aggregate with a magnificent kick in the final minutes of the game. This tightened the lid on the Lions’ Bradby hopes (RC 23-22 TCK)
On the last play of the game, Royal conceded a penalty to Trinity. The dwindling hope was reignited. On a risky call, Trinity decided to go for points and kick the ball from quite the distance. The in form young Althaf stepped forward, with 53 meters between him and victory. The silent Lions in the den emerged in one unified roar as the ball fell between the posts and the referee blew his final whistle. Those donning red, gold and blue had finally ended the hunt. The crowd flooded the field, and players were filled with emotion. Trinitians, past and present, brimmed with pride. Trinity College had won the Bradby. The decade-long pilgrimage was finally over.
And as the last charge went thundering towards the twilight goal, the final score of the second leg was 25-23 and a total aggregate of 42-39 both in favor of Trinity College.
It is important to recognize the talents of players from both teams, who contributed to the suspenseful 70 minutes of a glorious Saturday. The Royal squad, despite being unable to hold onto the shield, made sure not to give it up easily, maintaining fort up until the last minute and proving themselves a worthy opponent.
We need to take a moment to highlight the incredible team spirit and sportsmanship shown by both teams. The players from Trinity and Royal captured the heart of what rugby is all about: fierce competition balanced with fairness and respect. They did not just show their skills on the field; they showed a deep commitment to the game’s values. Their actions on and off the pitch are a splendid example for future players, and their names will forever be etched into the books of history.
Moreover, pulling off an event of such magnitude is no easy feat. That is why it is crucial to recognize the relentless support from the of the Principal, Vice Principals, Mr. Gihan Samaraseakara, Mr. Sanjaya Ratnayake, Mr. Shevantha De Silva, Teachers and Non- Academic staff, Administrative staff, The parents of the players, The Ground Staff and management at the Pallekale Rugby Stadium, The School Officers’ Guild and PROMWEB (The Trinity College Media Unit, Announcers and Website team). In addition, the professional refereeing by Mr. Brayden Hudson, Aaqil Jamaldeen and Shakeel Ahamed which led to a conflict free game, is much appreciated.
To put the cherry on top of the victory, the Trinity College U16 Rugby team managed to successfully retain the coveted Simithraaratchy Trophy for another consecutive year. Despite a setback during the first leg which gave the Tuskers a 10 point lead, the Lions bounced back to not only catch up but also to create a lead with a final score of 17-5 in the second leg in favor of Trinity College contributing to an overall aggregate of 24-22 in favor of Trinity College. We also thank the teacher in charge Mrs. Rangi Ekanayake for her support.
To round off the victories of Trinity Rugby the teams of all other age categories managed to come out victorious at the end of their respective second legs. The U14 team finished off with a score of 25-20 in their favor, the U12 A team achieved 44-32 in their favor and the U12 B team secured a score of 49-12 in their favor. We must congratulate the valiant performances put on field by all teams, truly highlighting the undying spirit flowing all through the college.
Unfortunately, Captain of the 1XV team, Master Anuhas Kodithuwakku was injured during the rugby season. Despite being unable to play on the field, he made sure he was the 16th man, supporting the team from the sidelines in all ways possible. We wish him a speedy recovery but also congratulate him on his efforts in helping to bring the team this far, alongside his fellow leaders Thisanga Dissanayake and Ravin Illangarathne. They not only fulfilled their roles on the field as Captain and Vice-captain, respectively, but also performed spectacularly to ensure a Bradby win for Trinity.
We express our deepest appreciation and congratulations to Master Anuhas Kodithuwakku, the team captain; Master Thisanga Dissanayake, the Stand-In captain; Master Ravin Illangarathne, the Vice Captain; Master Shaan Althaf, recognized as the NDB Player of the Match; and the entire team, MIC Mr. Kanchana Galagoda along with head coach Mr. Fazil Marija. Their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm were crucial in achieving this impressive victory. Our gratitude also extends to the parents of the team members for their steadfast support throughout the rugby season and to the referees for ensuring a fair and competitive game. Additionally, we acknowledge the vital contributions of our sponsors for their support during the 78th Bradby Shield Game.
The Trinity 1XV Rugby Team this year benefited from the support of several prestigious partners. NDB Bank is the primary Team Sponsor, with SLT MOBITEL providing telecommunications support. Our Co-Sponsors include Softlogic Life, Schokman & Samerawickreme, Araliya Group, and Montreal Consultants. The team’s food needs were met by Prima Kottu Mee, while Ralhum Sports and Gilbert were the official providers of equipment.
Finally, this win not only brought glory and honor to the school but also stands to pay respect to and honor the name of our fallen comrade Master Shabeer Ahamed. In the words of Anuhas Kodithuwakku, “This one is for Shabeer”
“Couldn’t have done it without the team.”
~ Shan Althaf
