Sports News

Review by Muhammed Jameel (Web Content Team)  In an intense clash between Trinity College and Vidyartha College, filled with penalties, rolling mauls, and turnovers, Trinity emerged as the triumphant team following a disappointing result in the gloomy setting of Bogambara last Saturday.  Trinity’s formidable lineup consisted of T. J. Fernando, D. D. I. Watagoda, S. H. Alexander, V. L. Kumarage, C. S. G. Dhanapala (Vice-Captain), R. V. Illangaratne, H. K. B. Samaraweera, T. B. Dissanayake, R. N. A. H. Bandaranayake, M. A. A. Shan, K. A. L. A. I. Kodithuwakku, J. H. M. L. L. Herath, W. M. S. R. B. Wanasekara, A. M. Jameel, and A. Manzil (Captain).  The game kicked off with a powerful start by Shan Althaf. Trinity dominated the gameplay in Vidyartha’s half, exerting pressure with their forwards and backline. A scrum was awarded to Trinity just 15 meters away from the try line, presenting the first opportunity for a try. Shan Althaf passed the ball to skipper Ataab Manzil, who dived in for the opening try. However, Shan Althaf’s conversion kick missed the mark.  Trinity strategically utilized rolling mauls during their lineouts, taking advantage of Vidyartha’s repeated collapsing of the mauls. After multiple warnings and a yellow card for Vidyartha’s No. 6, the referee awarded Trinity a penalty try without the need for conversion.  As the first half neared its end, Anuhas Kodithuwakku showcased exceptional strength by breaking multiple tackles in a single phase.  HALF TIME SCORE: Trinity College Kandy (TCK) – 12, Vidyartha College Kandy (VCK) – 0.  The second half began with Trinity asserting their dominance, pushing Vidyartha deep into their own half. Trinity earned a penalty and opted for a lineout. Another successful rolling maul followed, and Trinity’s prop Thenuk Fernando powered his way to the try line. However, the conversion attempt by Rushen Bandaranayake went wide.  Adverse weather conditions led to a series of missed conversions and penalty kicks. Trinity seized the opportunity when Lakindu Herath intercepted a pass and dashed towards the try line, but unfortunately, he was deemed offside.  Trinity’s grip on victory slipped momentarily as they fumbled the ball, allowing Vidyartha to score two unconverted tries.  However, Shan Althaf’s resilience shone through as he successfully kicked a penalty goal, securing Trinity rugby’s first-ever win in the Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby League 2023.  FULL TIME: Trinity College Kandy (TCK) – 20, Vidyartha College Kandy (VCK) – 10.  Junior Age Group Results:  Under 12 team emerged victorious in all their matches. Under 14 team secured victories in both 10-a-side and 15-a-side matches. The Under 16 match was canceled due to deteriorating weather and ground conditions. 

Review by Muhammed Jameel and Rehan Anandakumar (Web Content Team) The highly anticipated clash between Trinity College and Dharmaraja College Rugby Teams unfolded on June 17, 2023, at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy. The atmosphere was electric as players and fans gathered, expecting light rain but instead being greeted by delightful weather. Adding to the excitement was the presence of Fazil Marija, a prominent Sri Lankan Union player, who had been leading Trinity as their coach for over six months. The game kicked off with tension and intensity as the Rajans made a strong start, putting pressure on the Trinitians. This allowed the Rajans to exploit gaps in Trinity’s defense and score the opening try of the season, successfully converting it. However, Trinity refused to surrender easily, making quick adjustments to strengthen their defense, creating an uphill battle for both teams. Despite numerous scoring opportunities, both sides struggled to convert their chances. In the dying minutes of the first half, a penalty was awarded to the Rajans due to a Trinity tackler not rolling away, leading to an easy conversion and a score of 00-10 in favor of Dharmaraja. Both teams went into halftime hoping for a game-changing turnaround. At halftime, the score stood at 00 – 10, with Dharmaraja College in the lead. Following a disappointing first half, Fazil Marija’s magic seemed to have worked on the Trinity team as they had a blazing start in the second half. Anuhas Kodithuwakku kicked off the proceedings with determination. Trinity gained territorial advantage after a successful line-out throw, with Anuhas Kodithuwakku evading multiple defenders. However, they couldn’t convert this opportunity into a try. But fortune favored Trinity when a Rajans’ player received a yellow card, opening the door for Trinity’s first try of the game. Sachindu Wansekara executed a beautiful tactic, diving into the far corner of the try line in the 50th minute. Unfortunately, the conversion from Anuhas Kodithuwakku was off target. The score now stood at TCK (Trinity College) 05 – DRCK (Dharmaraja College) 10. Trinity’s resilience shone through as they formed a brilliant rolling maul just 10 meters short of the try line. With a series of “pick and goes,” they steadily approached the desired goal. The ball emerged from the ruck, reaching the hands of Shan Althaf, who took a daring risk by kicking the ball across the field. Abidh Jameel was perfectly positioned to dive for the try line, securing Trinity’s second try of the game. However, once again, the conversion was unsuccessful. Not even 10 minutes later, a poor 22-meter drop-out by the Rajans proved costly as Trinity capitalized on it. Exploiting the blind side, Trinity surged forward with the ball. Sachindu Wanasekara showcased exceptional speed, sprinting all the way to the try line and securing Trinity’s third try, his second of the game. Unfortunately, the conversion was once again missed. In a dramatic turn of events, the Rajans reclaimed possession from the kickoff and executed a beautiful chip kick. Trinity, unable to hold on to the ball, watched in despair as the Rajans stole it and dived under the posts for the final try of the evening. The conversion was successfully made. The final score read 15 – 17 in favour of Dharmaraja College, sealing their victory. Dharmaraja College’s historic win over Trinity College in this fiercely contested encounter will be remembered as a significant moment in rugby history. Despite Trinity’s spirited comeback, the Rajans showcased resilience and skill to secure the hard-fought victory. NDB Player of the Match – Ishara Wijayawardana (DRCK)  Points Breakdown:  Trinity College: Sachindu Wansekara 2T, Abidh Jameel 1T  Dharmaraja College: Isuru Bandara 1T, Ishara Wijayawardana 1T, Sadeesha Weerawansha 1C, Luchitha Wijayaratna 1P, Shehan Rajapaksha 1C.  Dharmaraja College celebrated a well-deserved triumph, marking their first-ever win against Trinity. Their excellent performance and unwavering spirit proved decisive. The Trinitians, on the other hand, must reflect on this defeat, utilizing it as motivation to regroup and strive for success throughout the remainder of the season.  With an eventful and thrilling conclusion to week 1 of Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby, spectators eagerly anticipate the forthcoming matches, which are bound to deliver more excitement and fierce competition.  Photographs by the Trinity College Media Unit