The final match for both Trinity College and Zahira College for the Singer Schools Rugby League was held on the 9th of June 2018 at the Pallekale Rugby Stadium.
This match also turned out to be Mr. Inthisham Marikkar’s first stint as Head Coach of Trinity College Rugby. Both teams were battling it out for a spot in the Presidents Trophy Knock-Out Tournament, and of course to end the season on a high note.
Akitha Sakalasooriya kick-started the game with Trinitians asking the Zahirians many questions. After 10 minutes of play, the Trinity forwards set up a maul, which lead to a try by prop forward Praveenda Wijethilaka who bumped off a couple of defenders to score in his trademark fashion. Sakalasooriya’s kick went astray, and Trinity lead 5-0.
Few minutes later, the Zahirians were awarded a penalty right in front of the uprights. They did not hesitate to get the 3 points. Trinity, 5 – Zahira, 3
Trinity extended their lead when Praveenda Wijethilake went over the whitewash for his second try. Sakalasooriya added the extras, and the score board read 12-3 in favour of the Lions.
Trinity kept on attacking and putting the pressure on the Zahirians when Reshan Bandaranayake scored on the far right of the grounds. The conversion was not successful. Trinity, 17 – Zahira, 3
The first half ended with Trinity on top, when skipper Avishka Sheik went over for the try, courtesy of some brilliant work from center Warren Weerakoon. Sakalasooriya added the 2 points as Trinity led at lemons.
Half Time: Trinity, 24 – Zahira, 3
The second half got under way as Zahirian skipper scored a try through a beautifully set up maul. But the kick went astray. Trinity 24 – Zahira 8.
A few minutes later, Trinity scored again as wing three-quarter, Vishwa Ranaraja went over after Naveen Rajarathnam drew the last defender. Zahira kept on fighting back as they added another successfully converted try. Trinity 29 – Zahira 15.
Trinity College topped off a beautiful game of rugby in great fashion. Lennox Calyanarathne went forward a few yards and flanker Dulanjith Nethvara scored the final try as he spotted a gap around a fringe. Although the kick was not successful Trinity won the match quite comprehensively.
Full Time: Trinity, 35 – Zahira, 15
A special mention should be made of the coaching staff and all other consultants of Trinity Rugby for their special effort and dedication put into supporting and guiding all the players throughout the season.
Trinity College is placed 6th in the Cup Segment of the Singer Schools Rugby League 2018 and qualifies to play in the Knock-Out Trophy Matches 2018.
Reviewed by Abidh Jameel and Sherwain Wavita
