A review by Muhammed Jameel (Web Content Team)
The schools’ rugby season for 2025 commenced this weekend with the Rugby Knockouts played before the league. Trinitians who tasted a fine victory at the 78th Bradby Shield Encounter made their way to Longdon Place in Colombo on the 26th of April to face an eager outfit of St. Anthony’s College Katugasthota.
As the clock struck 1800 hrs, the venue was floodlit and inviting. However, for most players, it was a novel experience, and a test for both teams. Thus, Team SACK kicked off in front of a full house.
Team TCK crossed the 22-meter line with a thundering attack and a neat move from the set piece saw winger, Bilal Nazir diving over for the first try of the evening. The corner flag kick went across and away from the goal post. (TCK 05 – SACK 00)
Both sides seemed hasty in the first few minutes of the game as penalties were given and won quite frequently. Trinitians swiftly adjusted to the pace of the game and found themselves winning the ball at the breakdown with ease. A gutsy run from the forwards paved the way for Co-Vice-Captain Shan Althaf to put over a penalty. (TCK 08 – SACK 00)
The defensive line of Trinity was on the spotlight, but the marvelous dash from the 40-meter line by the speedy prop forward Manusha Silva crossed the line to score the second. Althaf found form and put over the extra 2 points. (TCK 15 – SACK 00)
Not too long after the 2nd try, Udan Wijekoon the Trinity scrumhalf saw a gap outside the ruck and executed a move savoured by the greats of the game. The conversion right in front of the sticks was scored with ease by Shan Althaf. (TCK 22 – SACK 00)
A back bending tackle from Minula Yaddehige put the Antonian attack under immense pressure, eventually Trinity earning a penalty. It was clear they wanted one more try to close the half off, thus the decision to kick it into touch. The forwards executed a textbook full man lineout followed by a maul with Evin Jayasena at the back of it. He grounded the ball for the 3rd try of the game. Althaf added the extras. (TCK 29 – SACK 00)
Halftime – Trinity stood tall with 22 points to St. Anthonys’ 0
The second half kicked off with Manusha Silva pouncing on an opportunity to deliver a tackle that brought back possession to Trinity. A counterattack from the Trinitians ended in a well-earned try for MInula Yaddehige. Shan Althaf didn’t let go of his control as he added 2 more points. (TCK 36 – SACK 00)
Similar to the rolling maul try in the first half, Hamza Abdeen secured the ball at the back of the line-out to score a convincing 5th try. Shan Althaf delivered once again with the conversion. (TCK 43 – SACK 00)
The Anthonians showed urgency to get on the scoreboard, but the defensive line from Trinity showed no room to let that happen. Trinitians foxed the opposition by playing a decoy pick and go only for Minula Yaddehige to receive and deliver once again with a 5 pointer. Althaf added 2 points. (TCK up by half a century)
The over powerful defense of Trinity showed signs of fatigue as they let through the busting run of the Anthonian forward, a well-deserved try as their work rate was high to achieve that score. The conversion went astray. (TCK 50 – SACK 05)
Trinitians bounced back from that mishap as Avishka Jayasekara took his chance at the defence to score a swift try. Shan Althaf struck the conversion through the sticks. (TCK 57 – SACK 05)
Shrayan Satheeshkumar along with his forwards team deserve a mention as their efforts to win the ball at the breakdown were nothing short of sublime. This time they won the penalty and decided they wanted one last go at it as the quick passes from the line of Trinity helped Yaddehige score his hat-trick of tries. Shan Althaf didn’t find the connection that he needed as his conversion was unsuccessful.
Full Time – Trinity with a dominating 62 points to St. Anthonys’ consolatory 5 points
Points Breakdown
- Trinity College – 9 Tries, 7 Conversions, 1 Penalty Goal
- St. Anthony’s College – 1 Try
Months of hard work and the patience of the team and the coaching staff have played a huge role in achieving the current style of play. This season is set to be filled with fierce action and moments to be remembered. We wish the team good luck for the upcoming matches.
