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Rugby fixtures for the 2001 season
Antonians beat Trinitians
- 29/18
St. Anthony's College, Kandy shocked Trinity College by pulling off their biggest ever victory over their traditional rivals when they beat them by 29 points (3 goals, 1 try, 1 penalty) to 18 (1 goal, 1 try, 2 penalties) in their inter school rugger match played at the Trinity Rugby Stadium at Pallekelle yesterday. At lemons Antonians led 10-8.
Match winner for the Antonians was their skipper and scrum half Ashan Cooray who in addition to scoring two scintillating tries
goaled three tries and also put over a penalty to bring his personal tally in the match to 19 points which somewhat made the lions toothless.
Trinity Beat Wesley - A
splendid win by Trinity
Trinity College playing in Colombo for the first time this season, came out with a splendid performance to beat Wesley College 25 points to 9 in their inter - school rugby encounter worked off at Longden Place yesterday.
The winners collected their points from one goal, three tries and a penalty against three penalties by the Wesleyites. The visitors led 8-3 at the short whistle of referee D. Nimal.
The architect of the Trinity win was undoubtedly their scrum half D. Selva who scored a hat-trick of tries in the second half of the game. Centre Kelum Silva scored Trinity's first try in the first half which went unconverted. In addition full back Thisal Jayawardena put over a penalty for the winners.
But it was Selva who made the difference at the end by penetrating the Wesley goal line on three occasions in the second half. One of his tries were converted by Jayawardena. Fly half Prasad Perera fired across three good penalties for the home side.
(C.D).
Match officials assaulted: Trinity in close 38/29 win over Vidyartha
by S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr.
Trinity College, living upto to their motto ' Respice Finem (look to the end) staged one of the most remarkable fight backs to score a thrilling 38 points (4 goals, 2 tries) to 29 (3 goals, 1 try, 1 penalty) win over Vidyartha College in an inter school rugger match played at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium, Pallekelle yesterday. At 'lemons', the 'lions' were trailing behind 12-29.
Trinity's recovery in the second half has to be seen to be believed and their star athlete Mohammed Riyaz ran in four scintillating tries to tattle the Vidyartha team.
But the match was marred as there were two incidents in which a section of the spectators went for the match officials and they were at the receiving end. First of these was in the 23rd minute of the second half when the 'lions' had bridged the gap to 26-29, the spectators went for the touch judge Wing Commander Harsha Fernando alleging that a 'quick throw' taken by the Trinitians which ended in a try was an infringement as the ball had touched one of the Trinity players and the ball was 'dead'. Missiles were thrown at Wing Commander Harsha Fernando and even the referee Aruna Jayasekera was pushed on to the perimeter fence. Trinity and Vidyartha College officials restored order and the game resumed after a short interruption.
But as soon as the referee Aruna Jayasekera 'blew no side', the unyielding crowd swarmed into the field again and started throwing missiles and throwing their fists at Wing Commander Harsha Fernando who being a serviceman though outnumbered gave back much more than he received. Being giant of a man, Wing Commander Harsha Fernando fought like Gulliver fighting the Lilliputians. The officials intervened and escorted him into the dressing room. It was a sad day for rugby at Pallekelle.
Fast game
The game itself was a fast game and both teams dished out explosive rugby and the spectators had their money's worth.
Trinity scored almost with the kick off with winger Mohammed Riyaz collecting the ball and dashing to score under the post. Full back Thisal Jayawardena added the extra points. But this was short lived as Vidyartha hit back through a try scored near the corner flag by No. 8 Roshan Rajapakse and scrum half A. I. Niyadagala added the extra points with a good kick. Vidyartha went into the lead shortly afterwards through a penalty put over scrum half A. I. Niyadagala.
The game see-sawed again and Trinity regained the lead through a brilliant try by winger Riyas who ran 40 metres to score mid right which went unconverted. Thereafter it was all Vidyartha as they piled on the points through tries scrum half Niyadagala fly half Dhanushka Pushpakumara and No. 8 Roshan Rajapakse. Scrum half Niyadagala added the extra points to two of these tries for Vidyartha to lead 29-12 at the breather.
But second saw the brawn losing its fighting spirit and the brains of the 'Lions' took over to stage one of the most spirited fight backs in schools rugby.
First scrum half D. Selvam found the gap to squeeze through to score under the post and Thisal Jayawardena added the extra points 19-29.
Next that brilliant winger Mohammed Riyaz fashioned the next two tries, both brilliant pieces of running covering nearly 40 metres and touching them almost under the post. Thisal Jayawardena obliged with the bonus points, Trinity had regained the lead 33-29.
Then in the dying stages of the game Thisal Jayawardena collected the loose ball and ran 45 metres to score near the left post and he failed to add the extra points. But Trinity had won.
Trinity won the under 17 game by the comfortable margin of 48-0. The Senior game was refereed by Aruna Jayasekera
On the face of it, the first leg of the Bradby Shield which will be played next Saturday at Bogambara (and not at Pallekele) looks an odds on "cert" for Royal. Consider the facts which speak for themselves with overwhelming precision.
Royal is one of the few unbeaten sides where Trinity has tasted the galling, bitter pill of defeat on three occasions - St. Peter's, S. Thomas' and St. Anthony's. Royal has been running up big scores against quality opposition and their 30-0 demolition of the Thomians is one more instance of this fact. Clearly, they are a team whose confidence has been boosted sky-high as a result of several triumphs.
However, all is not darkness and despair for the Trinitians. They admit to the underdog tag. Yet their pride in their rugby and their traditions remain undimmed. We will overcome, they seem to say, whatever the Royalists do on that day.
Trinity started off with a rather unimpressive 20-15 win over Vidyartha and then ran into a very good Anthonian outfit and came off second best. The game against the Thomians, which was touch and go, was decided by one scoring effort. If that was their nadir, the zenith of their fortunes was that epoch-making win over Isipatana. Luck which deserted them in the Thomian game seemed to be with them in their keenly awaited clash with the Havelock Town lads.
Trinity has had a few problems. Injuries to key players have induced an unsettling effect.
The defense has been quite outstanding but a major cause for concern is the fact that the three quarters haven't been good finishers. In their last few games, the forwards have been made to work much harder and the results are plain to see.
Junior National player, full back Thisal Jayawardena leads the lions. The skipper has turned out to be the chief try-scorer, in addition to accumulating points by his kicks at goal. Jayawardena has faltered in pressure-cooker situations and kicked some penalties astray. However, Trinitians believe that when the hour comes, the man in him will emerge.
Deputy skipper Sean Wijesinghe, tall and springy as befits a line out jumper, doubles as a lock and as a flanker. He has been affected by a knee injury and thus he doesn't occupy the number four slot.
The front-row comprising Mendis, de Mel and Wasalatantri has been impressive. Ganewatte at scrum half, Wellalage (centre) and winger Weerakoon are some of the other players who have really performed during the season.
Last year, the Trinitians won the first leg in Colombo 32-25 in what turned out to be a memorable display. If this year's team can evoke memories of that win and imbue themselves with confidence, this game will certainly not be a goner.
Trinity's probably line up is as follows:-
Props: Sajiv Mendis, Siyan de Mel; Hooker: Prageeth Wasalatantri; Locks: Sean Wijesinghe, Dushan de Silva; Flankers: Robert Harley; Dinesh Weeraratne; Number Eight: Gayan Welikumbura; Scrum Half: Tilina Ganewatte; Fly half: Vinoth Vidanagamage; Centres: Amila Heenetigala, Nuwan Wellalage; Wingers: Cheruka Weerakoon, Kasun Subatilleka; Full Back:
Bradby-The Rugby Derby - by Y.C. Chang (Daily News, June 22nd '01)
At Bogambara tomorrow, the rugby derby of the schools matches will be played. Having twice seen Trinity and heard of Royal once, I tend to believe that the odds are against my old School Trinity. Nevertheless all is not lost - Trinity's forwards are a fine fighting unit, be it in the scrums or in the lines out. Even with an equal share of the ball, if Odayar the coach can make his three-quarters penetrate the gain line a few times, then my prediction is that Trinity will win. Trinity's defence is the best this season. So Kandy here we come all old Trinitians and the Royalists along with their supporters, to give this game the popularity it has always been. May the better side win-but I hope it will be TCK?
From The Island, June 15th '01
Bradby
first leg at Bogambara
by
Hafiz Marikar
The
first leg of the 57th Bradby Shield match between Trinity and Royal
Jayantha
Jayawardene who led the Trinit-ians in 1961, will be the chief
According to the president SLRRS, Nizam Jamaldeen will referee the first leg at Bogambara and Dilroy Fernando will referee the second leg.
From The Island, June 23rd '01
Royal confident, Trinity determinedby Hafiz Marikar in Kandy
Unbeaten Royal College come out with confidence today to meet Trinity College, in the first leg of the 57th Bradby Shield rugby encounter, at the Bogambara Stadium. Kick off is set for 5.00 p.m.
A great crowd puller from its very inception, this evening’s ‘Bradby’ first leg confrontation, between these two schools, is bound to provide the top class fare.
Today’s game will be played under the distinguished patronage of Jayantha Jayawardene, a Lion at rugby, who led the school in 1961, 1962 and later played for several clubs.
This season, Trinity lost to St. Anthony’s, St. Peter’s and St. Thomas’. All these past results and records never worry the players, when they take the field for this game.
The Royalists are confident of pulling this game in their favour. On the other hand, the Trinitians, who have been improving with every outing, will go flat out to beat the Royalists as this is what they have been preparing for, without participating in the inter sc-hools tournament.
Trinity’s young coach Ik-ram Odayar believes in the hard run and pass brand of rugby. Thus, the Trinitians will be undoubtedly firing on all cylinders. All eyes will be watching their forwards who they hope will give good ball to the backs for them to run and combat the speedy Royalists.
As the Trinitians bind down together, their college motto (Respic Finem) - Look to the End - will, no doubt, be ringing in their ears.
Royal’s three-quarters are playing well. Skipper Harin Kaluarachchi is one center. He has led the side well and for him, playing rugby has become part of his lifestyle. He is following in the footsteps of his father U. L. Kaluarachchi. His partner is that classy thinker, Rajith Jayasundara. Ishan Perera and Thabi Hassan have given of their best as wingers and with vice captain Zulk-arnain Hamid manning the last line of defence, they are sure to dictate terms to the Trinitians. Asela Wickramasuriya will pair off with Dev Wijawardene.
The Royalists have a good set of forwards led by young Dushantha Lewke. If he can take the forwards on the correct path, Royal will have no problem. Mafaz Ismail, Shamil Mohamed, Charaka Halwa-thura, Nanda Abeyasekara, Kushan Athukorale and Suren Mendis make up the famed Royal ‘pack’ and can put the Trinity ‘eight’ in deep trouble.
Royal coach Laga Tavita Tulaga and Shanka Sena-viratne said they were confident that Royal will do well. They said they have all the talent and wealth to outplay any side, which they have done upto now.
Trinity’s forwards are playing well and using their weight and height to good affect to win possession. Their firepower and superiority will be gauged against the equally strong Royal forwards. So, Basil Harley, Dushan de Silva, Sriyan de Mel, Prageeth Was-alathanthiri, Dinesh Wee-rarathne will have to be at their best.
Trinity’s three quarters too look formidable with players like Tilina Ganewattha and Vinod Vithanagamage, Kasun Subatillake, Nuwan Wellalage and skipper Tissal Jayaw-ardene, who is a good player. If he leads the side well, then the Trinitians may pull it off.
Trinity coach Ikram Odayar is more than satisfied with the performance of his forwards. He feels that it will be a forwards battle and Trinity will aim for the three vital factors in rugby - possession, pace and power.
The Teams:
Trinity College XV— Sanjani Mendis, Prageeth Wasalathanthri, Sriyan de Mel, Dushan de Silva, Sean Wijesinghe, Robert Harley Jnr., Dinesh Weerarathne, Gayan Welikumbura, Tilina Ganewattha, Vinod Vidan-agamage, Kasun Subatilake, Sameera Jayasinghe, Nuwan Wellage, Chanaka Weer-akoon, Tissal Jayawardene (Capt.)
Substitutes— S. B. Diss-anayake, Migara Mad-dumapatabendi, Nimintha Kum-arasinghe, Mohamed Nushan, Radzi Buckman, K. Jaya-manne and Naushad Nushan.
Royal College XV from — Shamil Mohamed, Cha-naka Hellwathura, Venura Perera, Pujitha Jayakody, Mafaz Ismail, Dushantha Lewke, Namaka Abey-asekara, Omar Alif, Kaushan Athukorale, Channa de Silva, Malitha Samarasekara, Suren Mendis, Asela Wickrem-asuriya Dev Wijawardene, Harin Kaluarachchi (Capt.), Rajitha Jayawardane, Ishan Perera, Thabit Hassan, Indika de Silva, Bilal Yusuf and Zulkama Hamid.
Referee: Nisam Jam-aldeen.
From The Sunday Observer - June 24th '01
by S. M. JIFFREY ABDEEN, Kandy Sports Correspondent at the Bogambara Stadium
The high-riding Royal College did not find things easy as they scampered home to a 12 points (1 goal, 1 penalty) to 6 (2 penalties) win over Trinity College in the first leg of the 57th Bradby Shield rugby match sponsored by Singer Sri Lanka Limited and played before a packed house at the Bogambara Stadium yesterday. At half-time Royal led 12-6.
Before the commencement of the match, both teams were introduced to the Chief Guest Jayantha Jayawardena - a former Trinity College rugby captain and a rugby 'lion' who later turned out with distinction for Kandy SC, Upcountry, Uva, Outstation Schools and Dimbula and also had two spells as a national rugby selector in the late seventies and early eighties.
The match was off to a shock start with Royal leading 5-0 in the first minute and 12-0 in the 8th minute, but did not flourish thereafter and certainly escaped defeat as the Trinitians got the lions into themselves to stall the unbeaten Royalists from scoring further.
Almost with the kick off, Royal's winger collected the ball and made a piercing run towards the goal line and when tackled quickly, sent out a pass to centre Rajith Jayasundera who cut through the stunned Trinity defence to score mid-left. Fullback Dev Wijewardena failed to add the extra points. Royal 5-0.
With Royal still 'breathing fire' on Trinity's defence, they were awarded a penalty in the 8th minute deep inside Trinity territory and they opted for a scrum and No. 8 Suren Mendis broke off to send prop Shamil Mohammed over the line mid left. Fullback Dev Wijewardena added the extra points to the tumultuous ovation from the Royal camp for the Colombo school to lead 12-0.
Trinity now realised that things looked gloomy if they don't get the 'lions' into themselves and restrict the Royalists from further scoring and this is exactly what they did. From here onwards it was a truly revitalising performance by the Trinitians who not only restricted to Royalists but also reduced the long bridge their opponents had built earlier on in the game. Royal on their part used the 'high ball' often with the wind but thereby starved their speedy three quarters.
Royal with a heavier pack, had a better share of the scrums but the lineouts went Trinity's way through some good jumping by looks Dushan de Silva and Sean Wijesinghe and in the loose the exchanges appeared to be even.
With Trinity now getting their acts together, they were awarded a 40-metre penalty but it was fluffed by hooker Prageeth Wasalathanthri who had to kick against the wind. In the 15th minute, Trinity could have opened their account but centre Nuwan Wellalage who made a good run along the line had stepped out and a line out was awarded.
It was in the 17th minute that Trinity opened their account when a Royal player was penalised for 'holding on to the ball' and hooker Prageeth Wasalathanthri fired across a 35-metre penalty. In the 19th minute Royal had a chance of increasing their score but centre Rajith Jayasundera missed an inside pass from Haren Kaluarachchi with about 20 metres from the line and an open field in front of him.
Trinity scored again in the 28th minute when a Royal player was penalised for playing from an off side position and Trinity's hooker Prageeth Wasalathanthri kicked correctly for the Lions to reduce the gap to 6-12.
But the second half was sans all the fire and power as both teams reduced the battle to the forwards with play being confined to the centre for most of the time and it was a case of series of rucks and mauls with the back division of both teams hardly getting the ball. In the 4th minute, Trinity had a chance of increasing their score but hooker Prageeth Wasalathanthri fluffed a penalty from kicking range with the wind blowing against him. During this period Trinity's prop Sriyan de Mel was warned for dangerous play but Royal's flanker Kushan Atukorale was went on 'sin bin' for stamping a Trinity player. This had the desired effects and no more unwarranted play was witnessed.
In the 13th minute Royal's fullback Dev Wijewardene missed a fairly easy penalty. There was nothing enterprising in the rest of the proceedings.
Nixam Jamaldeen refereed.
Royal won the junior game 15-12 leading 10-5 at the 'lemon'. Try scorers for Royal were fullback Manendra de Silva, winger Nadesha Wickremaratne and scrum half Varin Wijewardena.
For Trinity, stand-off Razdi Buckman and winger Mano Vidanagamage scored tries and Mano Vidanagamage added the extra points to one of them.
A. K. Rankothge refereed.
Among the distisguished guests present at the match was the Minister of Sports and Tourism, Mr. Lakshman Kiriella who watched the match from the main pavilion.
From The Sunday Observer - July 8th '01
by LAL GUNESEKERA
The two-year wait for Royal is over. They beat Trinity by 16 points (1 goal, 3 penalties) to nil after a scoreless first session to regain the Bradby Shield which they last won in 1998 under Shanaka Perera at the Royal College Sports Complex grounds. Royal won the 'first-leg' at Bogambara Stadium two weeks back (12-6).
The score certainly does not give a true indication about the true pattern of the game. It was a closely contested affair right throughout with possession being shared. It got a bit hot for comfort in the early stages of the second session with Royal's fly-half Ishan Perera and two Trinitians hooker Wasalathanthri and centre Jayasinghe being sent into "Sin Bin". Towards the latter stages, yet another Trinitian, fly-half Vidanagamage too suffered the same fate.
Trinity had only themselves to blame. They made far too many mistakes - there were very costly with Dev Wijewardene putting over the penalties for Royal.
Then came Trinity's right winger S. B. Dissanayake who failed to gather the ball cleanly for Royal skipper and centre Haren Kaluaratchi to grab it and scamper to touch down under the posts. Trinity's forwards tried their best, but failed and the outsides too could not make any impression.
Royal won the Bradby Shield for the first time on their new rugby grounds and kept their unbeaten record intact this season. They did well to share possession in both the lines-out and set scrums, but their famed back-division was kept in check by Trinity and were never able to make any headway - except once when skipper Kaluaratchi made a good break.
Thisal Jayawardene the Trinity skipper, failed with a 45-metre penalty left in the second minute. Royal then went into top gear and made inroads into Trinity territory. They failed to score off a five-metre short-tap and a scrum. Trinity fought back and were awarded a simple 22-metre penalty on the right flank after being in Royal "22" for quite awhile. But Wasalathanthri fluffed the conversion. This was in the 17th minute.
Three minutes later, Royal, brought back play into Trinity territory and a 35-metre penalty was kicked astray by Dev Wijewardene. Then just before half time, Trinity, got on the move and came into Royal's "22" with a fine combined move by the backs and forwards, but after forcing two scrums were penalised and lost whatever chances they had of scoring.
After the "turn-round", Royal, kept up the pressure in Trinity territory and were awarded with a simple 20-metre penalty put over by Wijewardene (Royal 3-0) in the 16th minute. Six minutes later, Wijewardene again fired across a 22-metre penalty for Royal to lead 6-0. Wijewardene again converted his third penalty five minutes later for Royal to increase their lead to 9-0 and with minutes licking away and after a failed penalty by Trinity's Wasalathanthri, came skipper Kaluaratchi's try for Royal to give them a 16-0 victory and with it the Bradby Shield too after two years. Dilroy Fernando refereed.
Trinity had some consolation when they beat Royal by 10 points (2 tries) to nil to win the Simmithiaratchi Trophy, after Royal had won the first-leg in Kandy 15-12.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
| Saturday April 29th | Vidyartha College | Pallekelle Stadium |
| Friday May 5th | Wesley College | CH & FC, Maitland Crescent |
| Saturday May 13th | St. Anthony's College | Pallekelle Stadium |
| Saturday May 20th | St. Peter's College | Pallekelle Stadium |
| Saturday May 27th | Isipathana College | Bogambara |
| Saturday June 3rd | St. Thomas College | Pallekelle Stadium |
| Saturday June 17th (Bradby Shield - 1) | Royal College | Sugathadasa Stadium |
| Saturday July 1st (Bradby Shield - 2) | Royal College | Pallekelle Stadium |
BRADBY 1999 2nd Leg - TRINITY ROAR AWAY WITH BRADBY
From Jatila Karawita at the Bradby
In a tense final yesterday at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Trinity College it was cricketer turned ruggerite, Kaushalya
Weeraratne forgot his cricketing virtues for a moment as he held centre stage in the first half to ensure his ‘alma
mater’ regained the coveted Bradby Shield from arch rivals-Royal College. In an action filled 62 minutes where
containing was the ‘name of the game’, Weeraratne eased the tension for the Trinity lions with a brilliant try as the
jam-packed stadium roared as Trinity recorded a famous 13 points(2 tries, 1 penalty) to 7 (1 goal) win in their
second leg clash. The action unfolded when Kaushalya Weeraratne picked up from the loose and blazed solo
some 45 yards to touch down for an unconverted try in the 10th minute leaving the
Royalists and the spectators alike aghast.
Of course, Trinity thrived on their first leg 19-10 lead. But then, memories of last year must have been yet fresh to
the lions from the hills. And Royal did come back spiritedly once again yesterday when into 25th minute of the
second half they wrested back the lead. That was when flanker Pavithra Fernando scored a pushover try which
was converted by Rasika Wijeratne to make it 7-5. It did indeed re-kindle those fears. But it was a day reserved
for Trinity. And of course it would not be complete without the final efforts of fly half Shanaka Kumara whose
equally spectacular try as he collected from Skipper Ravi Wickramasiri from a scrum to side step three defenders
to dummy his way for a 25 yards try which he followed with a penalty .
Thus the Trinity Lions ably marshalled by crack No. 8 Ravi Wickramasiri regained the prestigious Bradby Shield
after a gap of one year to the defaming cheers of their ardent supporters.
The Trinity outfit which went hammer and tongs in the first leg up in Bogambara, took some time to settle down till
mid-way in the second half before running out deserving winners with a grand all round display capped off by
those two fabulous tries in both halves. For Trinity every member of their team contributed towards that success,
whilst playing to a well laid game plan , but the individual brilliance of their threes shown with Weerarathna and
Shanaka Kumara making the difference in the crunch situation.
For the losers Royal College it was left to ponder on what might have been, if they had decided to
capitalize on the
numerous scoring opportunities which they were presented within the second half, but their reluctance in particular
to convert at least three easy penalties during the early stages of the game put paid to their chances of dictating
terms to the opposition. Especially their decision to opt for the scrum instead of going for the kicks clearly
highlighted the absence of a reliable place-kicker in the Royal ranks.
Also the failure of their forwards to ground the ball when in an attacking position in at least three five yard scrums
which they got in the first half coupled with the precise marking of key players Flanker Pavithra Fernando, and
Winger Viraj De Silva in particular by the Trinity Lions stifled the rhythm the Royalists were looking for and
ultimately the Colombo 7 school had to come second best to their great rivals on the day.
The pre-match hype for the big stakes had reached fever pitch when the two camps marched out under the hot
afternoon sun. For winger Kaushalya Weeraratne who was their last seasons cricket captain it was a rounding off
of his multi skills. But fly half Shanaka Kumara narrowed the conversion wide off the uprights but Trinity shot to a
5-0 lead at that stage.
During the first half the Royalists tried hard to breach their rivals rock-solid
defense but came a cropper as they
were guilty of dropping the ball when on the attack or most of the time their stars were tackled to a standstill by
the Trinity forwards and backs alike as the Lions went into the short whistle of referee Nizam Jamaldeen with a
5-0 lead.
During the second half the Royalists came back well into the game with their forwards playing a hardy game yet
still for all their reluctance to go for the penalty kicks at a crucial stage of the game meant that it was not going to
be their day as it proved in the end. Royals only scoring opportunity came their in only the 25th minute of play
when Flanker Pavithra Fernando who was well marked for a major part of the game finally broke the jinx, by
crashing over from a five yard scrum having received a clean pass from No. 8 Sanjive Fernando. Centre Rasika
Wijerathna converted the try as Royal surprisingly lead by 7-5 with about ten minutes to go for the long blast. c
But undaunted by that most unexpected piercing of their defence by the Royalists the Lions stormed back into the
lead in style when Shanaka Kumara fired across a 25 metre penalty to go ahead by 8-7. However the real cudre
de grass for the Reid Avenue team was delivered by Trinity Fly Half Shanaka Kumara when he rounded off a
classic game for his school by cleverly side stepping at least three bemused Royal defenders to dive over in injury
time to signal the return of the coveted Bradby Shield to the hill-capital since 1997. Kumara himself fluffed the
conversion of his own try but it mattered little for them as Trinity regained the blue-ribbon trophy in local
inter-school rugby for the 31st time in this the 55th year of the Bradby series.
From "The Island"
Trinity College Rugby Scrummage
Message from: Ravi Balasuriya
Would like to inform you for those who are not aware that we have an association called Trinity College Rugby Scrummage, which was formed a couple of years back with the sole intention of helping the Trinity College Rugby side. This association works with the Principal, Trinity College and the current Chairman is Mr. Wilhelm Balthazaar and I am the Vice Chairman together with Mr. Jayantissa Ratwatte. Among the committee members are Messrs. Ajith Abeyratne, Ashan Ratwatte, Tikiri Ellepola, Ravi Pillai, Devapriya Perera, Ken de Joodt, Mano Ganesar, Brig. Japuna Jayawardena, Udeni Molligoda to name a few.
The Trinity College Rugby Scrummage is opened to any member who has represented college in either 1st fifteen or at under 17 level. However, we have also included those who have played 2nd fifteen rugby as well.
In 1998 the Scrummage got down the services of former New Zealand All Blacks coach Mr. George Simpkins on a two weeks coaching stint mainly for the under 13, 15 and under 17.
I must say that his experience and his expertise helped trinity to be the under 13 all island champions, as well as the all island under 15 champions. In fact the under 15 side also toured Malaysia, on an invitation to participate in the South Asian under 15 tournament and this year too ,we hope to fare extremely well in the under 13 & under 15 rugby tournaments which will be held in mid September.
Also the rugby Scrummage is responsible in meeting a major share of the salaries being paid to the respective coaches, namely,
Under 13 - Mr. Alex Lazarus
U15 - Mr. Ikram Odaya
U17 - Mr. Bimal Fernando
1st XV - Mr. Quintin Israel
We also hope to get a Rugby Coordinator preferably from Overseas for year 2000. All this cost a lot of money.
While the rugby Scrummage would love any donations from fellow Trinitians this personal message from me to you is for the following reasons.
a. If eligible, for you to become a member of the Trinity College Rugby Scrummage
b. To distribute my message amongst other Trinitians whom you are in touch and persuade them to become members of the rugby Scrummage.
The membership fee is only Rs. 500/-,( less than UK POUNDS 5/-. or US$ 8/-.) and would appreciate very much if the cheques or money orders are sent in favour of "OLD TRINITIAN RUGBY SCRUMMAGE" and crossed 'account payee ' ONLY.
Also please give the following details with your cheque/money order.
Full name, address and telephone number, period at trinity, name of house at trinity, years played rugby for 1stVI, 2nd VI or under 17, position played, If colours or lion awarded, which year, present occupation.
You may send your cheque with all details to my office address;
Ravi Balasuriya No. 27, 17th Lane Colombo - 03 Sri Lanka.
From The Island, May 7th ‘01
By Hafiz Marikar in Kandy
A second half rally helped Trinity to pull off a close win over Vidyartha by
20 points to 15 in their school rugger match played at Nitawella on Saturday.
Trinitians made up their points through two goals and two penalties to Vidyartha's three tries. Vidyartha came close to creating a major upset and breaking a hoodoo as they held Trinity to 10 all till the last fifteen minutes of the game. They had several chances of scoring tries and penalties but failed. Their halves combination couldn't find their best, they lacked team spirit and at times they did not know what they were doing.
The Trinitians, coming out for the first time, did not play that well, they made a number of mistakes and gave away several penalties. It was their skipper Tissal Jayawardene who earned them this win by scoring a try and putting over two penalties and goaling two tries. He played plenty of sense and that helped Trinity to pull this game in their favour.
Trinity has to do a lot of homework before their next game against their rivals St. Anthonys. The second try for the Trinitians was scored by Kasun Subatilake, and for the Vidyartha side it was Roshan Rajapakse, D. Pushpa Kumar and M. Ranaweera who scored the tries.
A. Rankothge refereed.
Trinity, led by A. Stevens, also won the under 17 fixture.
From The Daily News
by S. M. JIFFREY ABDEEN Kandy Sports Corr.
Trinity College warmed up for their all important next week's Bradby Shield encounter with a hard fought 22 points (2 goals, 1 try, 1 penalty) to 13 (1 goal, 2 penalties) win over Wesley College in an inter-school rugby match played at Pallekelle Rugby Stadium, Pallekelle yesterday - Saturday. At lemons the Lions led 15-7. The Lions went into this game resting both their captain Thisal Jayawardena and vice captain Sean Wijesinghe but the former was brought into the side during the last stages of the game following an injury to a player.
Trinity had a good game with their forwards showing a lot of mobility and also did well in the loose. Wesley on the other hand it was a game of missed opportunities as at least two certain tries went abegging and on one occasion skipper and centre Ziad Thahir with just two metres to go under the post, decided to pass the ball which ended the move as the Trinity defence caught up. Trinity opened scoring in the 10th minute of play when centre went over by the left post and hooker Prageeth Wasalathanthri added the extra points and also put over a penalty for the Lions to lead 10-0.
Next it was the turn of the Wesleyite to fight back when their three quarters moved the ball and full back Zakir Badurdeen joined the 'Line' to score far left. Stand off Prasad Perera made a brilliant conversion for his side to reduce the lead to 7-10. His kick hit the uprights and veered inside. Earlier full back Zakir Badurdeen missed two penalties from kicking range.
Just before the short blast full back Zakir Badurdeen's clearance was collected by No. 8 Gayan Welikumbura who set the three quarters in motion and winger Cheraka Weerakoon with a burst of speed cut through the defence to touch down by the left corner flag and hooker Prageeth Wasalathanthri missed a difficult kick at goal. Trinity also lost centre Amila Rasnatigala through injury late in the first half and was replaced by A. Stephen. Wesley could have closed the gap in this half but poor finish deprived them the chance of scoring. Early in this half stand off Prasad Perera put over two penalties from difficult angles to reduce the lead.
Then in the dying stages of the game regular skipper who was suffering from flu came in as replacment and joined the line to score far left for Trinity to lead 22 - 13. A. C. Tennakoon refereed.
Trinity won the junior game 19 - 5.
From The Island, May 7th
‘01
Trinity skip Championship, aim for 'Bradby' glory
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Hafiz Marikar in Kandy Trinity was at one time known as the cradle of Sri Lanka rugby. For Trinitians, rugby has been a way of life. The gentlemanly qualities, the exemplary sportsmanship and strength of character typifies the rugby man. Apart from building understanding and mutual respect between participants, rugby itself transcends individual virtuosity into team spirit, which is a dire need today in all walks of life in Sri Lanka. |
Trinity College, started playing rugby in 1906, and has produced a vast number of players who have donned the Sri Lanka jersey. Those Trinitians who brought honour and fame to their Alma Mater with their achievements on the rugby field were Kavan Rambukwella, Bertie Dias, Malcom Wright [Capt.], Maurice Perera, Dharmasri Madugalle, Ken de Joodt, Mike de Alwis [Capt.], Nimal Maralande [Capt.], Sari de Silva, Dr. Tony de Silva, Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Gamini Fernando, Y. C. Chang [Capt.], Jayatissa Ratwatte, P. A. Bultjens, H. M. Christoffeslz, S. David, P. de Silva, I. D. de Silva, J. Duncan, D. Frank, F. Jacob, P. Mahendran, William Molegoda, Ken Murray, M. S. Panditharatne, S. B. Pilapitiya [Captain], T. B. Pilapitiya, D. Reith, F. A. C. Roelofsz, E. D. K. Roles, C. H. Senevirathne, L. Sumanasekara, Gamini Weerasinghe, R. R. Williams, W. Winter, Mohan Balasuriya, Mohan Sahayam, Glen Vanlangenberg, Noel Brohier, Ajith Abeyarathne, Gogi Tilakarathne, Jupana Jayawardene, Sam Sevali Samarasekera, Clifford Elhart, Roy Balasuriya, Shafie Jainudeen, Irwin Howie [Capt.], Lanil Tennakoon [Capt.] Tikiri Marambe [Capt.], Jeffery Yu, Y. S. Ping, Hanzil Samad, Ashan Ratwatte, Senu Suwan, Mark Sunderalingam, Imthi Marikar, Ikram Odayar, Sha Doole, Rohan Abeyakoon, Suranga Amarasinghe, Pradeep Basnayake, are some of the names that come to mind.
Thus, Trinity is a school which has produced some of the best ruggerites, and today due to tournaments for trophies, the quality of the game has gone down, and there is a lot of misbehaviour at matches. Winning at any cost has become part and parcel of this game that was once played for fun. The decision taken by Trinity's principal Prof. R. Breckenridge to play only the traditional matches, is a laudable one as it would help the players, in a big way.
Irrespective of the result, rugby should be played for the enjoyment of player and spectator alike. The friendly, rivalry will generate the best in the participants. Today's players have a special responsibility to rekindle the rugby torch by concentrating on the run and pass game. No team must be fearful of losing, for fear itself obsructs open rugby. Today's game needs to be more attractively played to emulate the keen competition from other sports. Especially cricket where the young school leaver has so much to benefit financially and otherwise.
This year the Trinitians are coached by Ikram Odayar, who is one of the finest up and coming coaches in the country, he coached the Trinity under 17 side for some time and has gained the much needed experience in coaching. He is all out to present a formidable side.
They open the season with the match against Vidyartha at Nittawela, on May 11, They then meet St. Anthony's at Nittawela on May 19, St. Peter's at Longden Place on May 26, Isipatana at the Sugathadasa Stadium, June 2, S. Thomas' for the 'Cannon' trophy at Longden Place on June 8, St. Joseph's at Pallekelle on June16, Wesley at Pallekele June 23, 1st leg of the Bradby against Royal at Pallekele, July 7, 2nd leg vs. Royal at Sugathadasa Stadium. There are two 2nd XV matches - May 28 vs. Carey at Pallekele and July 9 vs Richmond.
Sri Lanka under 19 World Cup player Tissal Jayawardene is the captain. He plays as fullback and easily the best player in that position. So much is expected from him as captain. His deputy will be flank forward S. Wijesinghe, a fine loose player.
Trinity Pool:-
Prop. S. Mendis, S. de Mel, M. Liyanarachchi, N. Nushan, P. Pannabokke, K. Pradeepan. S. Shanmuganathan, D. Weerarathne.
Hooker: P. Wasalathanthri, H, Kumarasinghe, A. Ranasinghe.
Second rows: D. A. de Silva, R. C. Harley, R. Fernando, N. Hendavitharana, T. Agalakotuwa, R. Medagamage, and K. Werapitiya,
Flankers: D. N. Bogawatha, W. S.M. Wijesinghe,
No. 8: G.C.B. Welikumbura, M. Maddumapatabandi.
Scrum half: T. N. Ganewatha, S. Subasinghe, and R. Buckman.
Fly half: N. P. Wellalage,
Centers: H. K. A. Heenatigala, C. J. S. Jayasinghe, N. Bategoda, D. Moses.
Wingers: S. B. Dissanayake, K. Subatilake, C. Weerakoone, S. Halagoda,
Fullbacks: T. Jayawardene [Capt.], V. A. Vidanagamage.
The under 17 side is led by U.D.A. Steven and the coach is Anil Jayasinghe.
From The Island, May 7th
‘01
Trinity seek solace at Bambalapitiya
by Hafiz Marikar in Kandy
Trinity College, undoubtedly smarting after their humiliating defeat at the hands of arch rivals St. Anthony’s a fortnight ago, will try to seek solace at Longden Place this evening when they play St. Peter’s College in their inter school rugby match at 5.00 p.m. One hour before the senior game, the junior match will take place.
This eagerly awaited rugby confrontation between these two schools who habe played each other since 1933, should provide a good game of run and pass rugby. It will be interesting to see how both sides, who are famous for good open rugby, plan out their game today.
Trinity, under the watchful eyes of young Ikram Odayar will go all out to give off their best. They have played two games, out of which they beat Vidyartha and lost to St. Anthony’s. The Peterites who are coached by a product of Trinity, S. W. Chang, have done extremely well, winning all their matches.
The Trinitians are hoping to play the same side which did duty against St. Anthony’s, and they will be at full strength.
This year, Trinity’s asset is their mobile pack, which is about the best in the hills.
St. Peter’s College, with plenty of talent and replacements available are hoping to play their best side, led by Centre Dilan Abeyagunawa-rdene, who is in good form. They are out for the Lion’s blood!
Trinity - S. E. de Mel P. Wasalathanthiri, N. S. A. Mendis, D. A. de Silva, R. C. Harley, D. Bogawattha, W. S. M. Wijesinghe, G. C. B. Welikumbura, T. N. Ganewattha and N. P. Wallalage, S. B. Dissanayake, H. A. K. Heenatigala, C. J. S. Jayasinghe, K. M. Subatilake, Tissal Jayawardene (Capt.)
St. Peter’s - Michael Nixon, Janaka Fernando, Dananjaya Nonis, Asela Abeyakoon, Chathuranga Amarasinghe, Graham Berenger, Dilanka Wijayasekara, Mario Oorloff, Ramaiz Ishak and Dinuk Jayasinghe, Reshan Cook, Dilan Abeyagunawardane (Capt), Rukshan Wijesinghe, Rinaz Philip, Udaya Ratnayake.
by LAL GUNESEKERA
The long wait for Trinity is over. For six long years the 'Lions' from Kandy were unable to get the better of Isipatana in the schools rugby arena. However, last evening at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Trinity pulled off a 6 points (2 penalties) to 3 (1 penalty) win after the scores were level (3-all) at the breather.
It was way back in 1994 that Trinity beat Isipatana 12-10. Since then it has always been Isipatana who were on the winning side, though this game was not played last year. Trinity came into this game after losing badly (10-24) to St. Peter's last week at Longden Place and even losing to the Antonians 7-12. They had beaten only Vidyartha 20-15. What a performance it was by Trinity! They had made a few changes to the side that lost last week.
They held the strong Isipatana "eight" throughout the game. In the first session, Trinity, were unable to "run the ball", but in the vital second half, made amends through the fine outsides who were always dangerous when in possession.
In the end, it was the place-kicking prowess of Trinity's fullback cum skipper Thisal Jayawardene that brought them victory. He put over the two penalties - one in each session, though fluffing four attempts.
Isipatana played badly. They did so well last week to hold Royal to a scoreless draw. This was minus possession. But yesterday, they had possession, but failed to put it into use. Also, their place-kicker, fly-half Roshan Pieris, was a miserable failure once again. He kicked astray six penalties in all - four from easy distance. He kicked correctly only once - a 20-metre penalty left in the 14th minute of the first session. Aruna Jayasekera refereed.
In the under-17 game, Isipatana beat Trinity by 20 points (1 goal, 2 tries, 1 penalty) to 18 (1 goal, 1 try, 2 penalties) in an absorbing tussle.
From The Island, June 2nd ‘01
Thomian power vs Trinity's grit
by Hafiz Marikar
Trinity College travel down to Longden Place to engage S. Thomas' College in their inter school rugby fixture for the Cannon R. S. de Saram trophy. Kick off is at 5.00 p.m. after the junior game.
The Trinitians, who are riding high after their 6-3 win over Isipatna, last week in Colombo, will go all out to give a stiff challenge to the Thomians who are in peak form. These two schools have been playing since 1955, and whenever they meet it has been an interesting game of rugby. Last year the Thomians won at Pallekelle.
This time it is going to the Thomians' power against Trinity's guts. Thomian coach Nimal Lewke, a master on the subject , must have done his homework and will be waiting for a good result. Trinity's coach Ikram Odayar, was hard at work with the side. He is expecting to play the same team which did duty in the last game against Isipatana.
Trinity skipper Tissal Jayawardene, who has proved to be an inspiring leader and a fearless fighter, will look up to his mobile pack, for good ball for the back division. Trinity's scrum half Tilina Ganewattha is quick at spotting the gaps and working the "threes" whenever the occasion arises. He, along with new fly half Vinod Vidanagamage make a fine halves combination. Former fly half Nuwan Wellage and Sameera Jayasinghe will be the two centers. On one wing will be Kasun Subatilake, while the other wingers berth will be taken by S.B. Dissanayake. Skipper Tissal Jayawardene will be the full back and good leadership in play is expected from him.
Trinity's forwards are a fighting lot with the experienced Deshan de Silva and Robert Harley, two fine lose players and lineout jumpers, who have given off there best in the matches played. Much will be expected from these two. Deshan will play in the second row with deputy skipper Sean Wijesinghe. Robert will be one wing forward. The other is Dhammika Bogahawatte. Gayan Welikumbura will be the No. 8. The front row will be made up of Sriyan de Mel, Prageeth Wasalathanthiri and Sanjani Mendis.
The Thomians are riding high, with a good sheet of wins.
They will strive hard for possession and in this aspect, skipper Jivan Gunatilake, the No. 8 forward is sure to dominate. The front row will be B.C. P. Peiris, Adil Munna, and Vonsky Jayawardene. Shiran Muafer and T.P.S. Fernando will be the locks, with the third row made up of Jayan Gunatilake, Lalindra Siriwardene and skipper Jivan Gunatilake.
The Thomians halves combination of Dilsiri Welikala and Wazim Thajudeen should click and send the ball down to the two centers, Amila Madularachchi and Tharanga Wimalasuriya to do the needful. Diminutive Winger Jason Jayasekara and B. S. Sural Rajapakse will man the two wings. Chamila Samaraweera will be the No. 15.
From
The Island, June 4th ‘01
Thomians didn't have it easy
by Ravi Nagahawatte
S.Thomas' gasped for breath till the very end before pulling off a 3-0 win
over Trinity in their Canon R.S.de Saram Shield rugby fixture at Longden Place
on Saturday.
The high riding Thomians finally met their match after a relatively easy season so far where they vanquished all opponents.
However, yesterday, the lads from Mount Lavinia unlike before found in their opponents similar strength and a passion not less than their's to win.
Trinity skipper, Tisal Jayawardana led the fight into the Thomian camp and always found support from his aggressive team mates.
Both sets of players exercised a lot of aggression in their styles of play which time and again exceeded the allowed limit and boiled into anger.
Referee Shamrath Fernando was spot on to break three scuffles between the players of Trinity and S.Thomas' with the latter losing their match winner, Wazim Thajudeen, for a few minutes in the first half.
Thajudeen however made amends for his questionable behaviour on the field by booting across a crucial 35 metre penalty five minutes from the end when referee Fernando blew the Trinity 'eight' off side in a maul.
The Thomians despite taking the lead went through some anxious moments before the final whistle when they gave two penalties within kicking range. However lady luck shone on the winners when Trinity skipper Jayawardana fluffed both attempts from one which was just twenty metres from the posts.
Trinity juniors won the under 17 fixture when they came from behind to post an exciting 15-5 win.
