Trinity smashes Royal to end 15-year title drought

Last year runners-up Trinity College produced a dazzling and dominant display to hammer traditional rivals Royal College 58 points (four goals, six tries) to 26 (three goals, one try) in the President’s Trophy Inter-Schools Under-19 Knock-Out Rugby Tournament final played at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

Trinity, who led 27-12 at half time, ran riot in the second half with their electric three-quarter line to clinch the title after a long wait of 15 years, their last triumph coming in 2011.

The Kandy side struck first through centre Kevin Weerakoon, who crossed early for an unconverted try to give Trinity a 5-0 lead in the seventh minute.

Royal hit back strongly when prop Themiya Amarasinghe powered over from a maul with Shimak Shafeek adding the extras to put Royal ahead 7-5.

Trinity regained control through replacement Dimath Ambepitiya, who scored twice in quick succession. Skipper Shan Althaf converted one of them as Trinity moved ahead 17-7. Royal responded through number eight and Captain Disas Pathirana, who scored an unconverted try to reduce the deficit to 17-12.

Trinity continued to press hard with Ammaar Manzil finishing off a smart move for another try before fly half Abdul Malik added a superb solo effort. Though both tries went unconverted, Trinity stretched their lead to 27-12 at the break.

The second half belonged entirely to Trinity. Just four minutes after the restart, Skipper and full back Althaf sliced through the Royal defence following a clever chip-kick and converted his own try to make it 34-12.

Althaf struck again soon after while flanker Hamza Abdeen added another try with Althaf converting as Trinity surged to 48-12. Winger Manzil then crossed for his second try as Trinity went past the 50-point mark.

Royal showed some resistance late in the game, with Hiruka Jayanidu scoring under the posts and Shafeek converting.

Hooker Methika Yatawara added another try again converted by Shafeek as Royal narrowed the gap to 51-26.

However, Trinity had the final say as Althaf completed his hat-trick and converted to seal an emphatic 58-26 victory underlining their complete dominance over their Bradby rivals.

Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon.

Source - Sunday Observer