Sports News

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. 

Reviewed by Rehan Anandakumar  The much-anticipated clash between Trinity College Kandy and St. Peter’s College, unfolded at the St. Peter’s Grounds in Bambalapitiya, on the 10th of August. It was indeed one of the most fiercely contested encounters of the season.  First Half  Trinity kicked off the game with great domination earning a kickable penalty which was unfortunately missed. This was followed up to a high tackle which gave  Peterites to score the first try in the corner. (SPC 05 – 00 TCK)  Desperate for scores, TCK  used the penalty given to  St.Peter’s for holding the ball by converting the penalty to bring the scores to (SPC 05 – 03 TCK).  The home team did feel the pressure from the visitors who were determined to close the gap.  Murad Razian seized the loose ball, offloading it to Usman Shafraz who made a precise pass to Udisha Rathnayake who scored the first try for the visitors. This successfully  ended in a conversion by Yevan Hulangamuwa pushing  TCK  in the lead (SPC 05 – 10 TCK)  The game got tense when Peterites were shown a yellow card and were down to 14 men. With this turn of events, Yevan Hulangamuwa of TCK, added three more points by converting the penalty successfully. (SPC 05 – 13 TCK)  However, Team TCK too had to lose one of their men to a yellow card making the field equal with 14 men on each side. Just before half time,  Peterities engaged with the TCK defence and offloaded it to Nawodya who used the gap scoring a try right under the post which was an easy conversion bringing  up their points to (SPC 12 – 13 TCK)  Half time – (SPC 12 – 13 TCK)    Second Half  Trinitians started the second half by earning a penalty which was converted by Yevan Hulangamuwa adding up the points to (SPC 12 – 16 TCK). The home team had to make a comeback, and they did so by dashing through the TCK defence and scoring a leading try with a score of (SPC 17 – 16 TCK)  Later,  Peterities were penalized once again for tackling  a player mid-air. Despite this setback,  Peterities continued their game and managed to use a penalty by converting and adding more to their points (SPC 20 – 16 TCK)  In the 55th minute,  Trinity added five more points thanks to the replacement hooker Dehan Watagoda who drove the team towards a try with a comeback score of (SPC 20 – 21 TCK)  Peterites bearing the pressure, scored a back-to-back try to gain control of the match by breaking through Trinity defence and making no mistakes with their conversion leading the game with the scores of (SPC 30 – 21 TCK)  With no plans to abandon their spirit, TCK formed a rolling maul which was scored by No 8 Thisanga Dissanayake and was converted by Yevan Hulangamuwa. Hoping for a comeback, TCK were attacking from the 22-meter line progressing towards the halfway mark, but Peterites managed to turn the ball over scoring a decisive try that was followed by a tense conversion leading to victory and assuring St.Peter’s College a place at the finals against Isipathana College next week.  Full Time – (SPC 37 – 28 TCK)  We congratulate Ranithu Ridmal (St. Peter’s College) for receiving the award: NDB Player of the Match and both the teams for playing one of the most intense matches of the season. 

By Chaniru Senhas and Rehan Anandakumar (Web Content Team)  After having gained rightful victory against Science College, Trinity College played against Dharmaraja College on the 3rd of August at the College grounds, Pallekele. Master Anuhas Kodithuwakku and his determined team, preserved their winning streak, conquering Dharmaraja with a 40-14 victory.  Each player’s sheer commitment on the team is evident from their astounding performance. Catapulting the team to the top of Dialog Schools’ Rugby League, the Ruggerites are truly an inspiration to all young Trinitians.  First Half  Although both schools kicked off with slow progress, Trinity scored the first try of the game in the 24th minute. Thisanga Dissanayake of Trinity scored the opening try through a well-planned rolling maul, with Shan Althaf successfully converting. Shortly after, a try scored by Shan Althaf made it show, that there was no stopping, Trinity. A few minutes before the conclusion of the first half, Alexander from Trinity scored another try, now leading with 12 points, which soon increased to 14 points following a kick-off by Shan Althaf. At the 35th minute, a matter of seconds before the teams broke for half time, the Lions managed to score the third try of the game, resulting in a score of TCK – 19-00 – DRCK  Second Half  As the second half of the game began, Shrayan Sathieshkumar from Trinity quickly managed to increase their lead to 26 points, before Dharmaraja scored their first try, gaining them 5 points, which soon rose to 7 with a successful conversion. After some intense gameplay and sever tackling, Dinusha Pieris of Trinity scored their 5th try with Rushen Bandaranayaka converting, now sitting at 33 points. The game was brought to a victorious end for Trinity with the 6th try of the game by Yevan Hulangamuwa and yet another smooth conversion by Shan Althaf. The game concluded with a score of  TCK – 40-14 – DRCK  This victory of Trinity keeps our super round hopes still well and alive, hoping for the same on the upcoming match at Havelock Park, we congratulate Dinusha Pieris of Trinity College for being crowned the NDB player of the match.  Finally, we thank both the team players, who trained intensively, and coaches, who sacrificed immensely for the team, for not only this victory, but for bringing Trinity Rugby to the top. 

Reviewed by Nimuthu Pathiraja  Following their resounding victory last week, Trinity College dominated over Science College Colombo on the 27th of July, at the Sugathadasa Stadium, achieving an unprecedented 36-0 victory.   This triumph puts Trinity in a favorable position in the prestigious Schools’ Rugby League ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. It is fair to say that the team’s strong culture, dedication, and commitment led to their impressive form.  First Half:  Both defenses were extraordinarily strong until the 22nd minute when TCK’s captain Anuhas Koddithuwakku scored an important try, which was converted by Shan Althaf. After this breakthrough, there was no stopping Trinity, who continued to score point after point, ending a successful first half at 12-0.  Second Half:  After the break, Trinity remained unvanquished as they crusaded towards victory, demonstrating great skill and triumphing over Science College. Trinity’s defense was impenetrable, with no hope for Science College to score any points.  second half saw an unparalleled score of 24-0, culminating in a final match score of 36-0.  A special note of appreciation must be directed towards the team and the coaches for this captivating performance. Their focus on developing skills and fostering positive attitudes has restored Trinity Rugby to its legendary status.