Champions write their own stories, and this Trinity side has written one that will be remembered for generations. On 25 July, before a packed crowd at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium, Pallekele, the Lions defeated Royal College 39-10 in the second leg of the 80th Bradby Shield Encounter to reclaim the coveted shield with a resounding 72-20 aggregate triumph. The victory capped off a flawless 2026 campaign as Trinity finished the season unbeaten, winning the Dialog Schools Rugby League, the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockout President’s Trophy and the 80th Bradby Shield to complete a historic domestic treble. Yet beyond the trophies and the unbeaten record, this team’s defining strength was its brotherhood. Built on trust, selflessness, unwavering teamwork and respect for one another, the Lions showed that lasting success is achieved not through individual brilliance alone, but through a collective commitment to the jersey and to each other. 80th Bradby – Second Leg Entering the match with a 23-point advantage from the first leg, Trinity needed a composed performance to complete the task. From the opening whistle, they controlled possession and territory. An early penalty at the breakdown allowed skipper Shan Althaf to open the scoring, calmly splitting the uprights for a 3-0 lead. Moments later, another Royal infringement presented the same opportunity, and Althaf again made no mistake to extend Trinity’s advantage to 6-0. Trinity’s sustained pressure finally produced the opening try shortly before half-time. Nisith Kumarasinghe released fellow flanker Hamza Abdeen, whose powerful carry broke beyond the gain line. Following quick ball from scrum-half Udan Wijekoon, Evin Jayasena beat two defenders before diving over for the try. Amher Faizal produced an excellent conversion from the touchline to give Trinity a deserved 13-0 lead at the break. Half-time: Trinity College 13 (1T, 1C, 2P), Royal College 0 Second Half Royal began the second half with renewed determination. After earning a five-metre scrum, the visitors built sustained pressure through a series of forward carries before captain Disas Pathirana crossed for their opening try. Trinity responded immediately. Working the blindside from a scrum, Wijekoon found Althaf, who drew the final defender before sending Amher Faizal over beneath the posts. The conversion restored Trinity’s comfortable advantage. With confidence growing, Trinity began to stretch the Royal defence. Crisp handling created space for Maduranga De Silva, who stepped inside the cover defence before sprinting clear to score Trinity’s third try. Althaf added the conversion. The next score showcased Trinity’s attacking intent. A sweeping move saw Althaf send a long pass to Minula Yaddehige, who broke down the touchline before returning the ball inside for his captain to finish the move. Faizal converted from the corner. Trinity added one final try after stealing a Royal line-out deep inside opposition territory. Following several powerful phases from the forwards, Achintha Jayasena exploited space on the blindside to cross. Royal scored a late consolation through Pathirana, who took a quick tap penalty close to the line for his second try of the afternoon. It did little to alter the outcome as Trinity completed a commanding victory. The Final Word Full-time: Trinity College 39 (5T, 4C, 2P), Royal College 10 (2T) 80th Bradby Shield Aggregate: Trinity College 72 (10T, 8C, 2P), Royal College 20 (3T, 1C, 1P) The victory completed one of the finest rugby seasons in Trinity College’s history. Remaining unbeaten throughout the campaign, the Lions claimed the Dialog Schools Rugby League title, the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockout President’s Trophy, and the Bradby Shield to complete a memorable domestic treble. Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Shan Althaf (Captain) Points Breakdown Trinity College (39) Royal College (10) Much like the Avengers, Trinity’s greatest strength was never a single hero, but a team united by a common purpose. Every player understood that greatness is not measured by individual moments, but by the willingness to play for the man beside you. Throughout the season, the Lions embodied humility, resilience and sportsmanship, celebrating each other’s successes as their own and placing the College above personal glory. That collective spirit, where every tackle, pass and sacrifice carried equal value, became the foundation of an unbeaten campaign and a legacy that extends far beyond silverware! The Double Triumph: Under-16 Lions Retain the C. E. Simithraaratchy Trophy The celebrations at Pallekele extended beyond the Bradby Shield, as Trinity’s Under-16 team also retained the C. E. Simithraaratchy Trophy with a commanding 29-0 victory over Royal College. Played ahead of the second leg of the 80th Bradby Shield Encounter, the young Lions delivered an outstanding display, scoring four tries, three conversions and a penalty while keeping Royal scoreless throughout the contest. Having recorded a hard-fought 15-8 victory in the first leg in Colombo a fortnight earlier, Trinity completed the two-match series with a 44-8 aggregate triumph to successfully retain the trophy. The Under-16 team’s achievement capped off a memorable day for Trinity rugby, reflecting the strength and depth of the College’s rugby programme across both the senior and junior levels. Reviewed by Rehan Anandakumar (Web Content Team)
