The Annual Royal – Thomian Football encounter, which is known by many a football fanatic as the Blue Derby of Sri Lankan schools football, was held on the 1st of November 2014, at the Royal College Sports Complex, where the home side undoubtedly had one of the best games of their season, with a resounding victory over their rivals, S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia.

Although the game was anticipated to be one of the closest schools football game for 2014, Skipper and Striker Haritha Gajanayake managed to beat the goal keeper on two occasions, which put the game away from the Thomians in the first half of the game itself. The Thomians made attempts to score and gain possession but the defense displayed by the backs Asela Uduwara and Chatura Avishka were solid and did not allow the Thomians to get any proper attempts on goal. With the referee blowing for half time, the score stood at 2-0 in favour of the home side, thanks to the powerful strikes made by the Skipper.

After words of encouragement for both sides, both teams got back onto the field for the second half. The Royalists’ trying to hammer the final nail on the coffin, and the Thomians looking for some consolation, or maybe even stage a heroic comeback, looked to make the most out of the final 45 minutes of the game. The visitors played with more conviction during the second half, as it was clear to the spectators, where they managed to create a couple of opportunities, which unfortunately for the Thomians, went uncapitalized. The Royalists, midway through the second half, managed to put the game to bed, as Winger Insaf Iyoob managed to belt the ball into the top corner, leaving no chance for the goalkeeper, much to the delight of the bench on the sideline, and all the Royalists supporters on the day. The stadium erupted with cheer as the 3rd goal was scored, as
it was a clear indicator that Royal was the better side on the day.

The referee blew for full-time, as the game concluded with the score on 3-0, which was a clear reflection of the skill displayed on the day. Skipper Haritha Gajanayake was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, for his two goals which gave confidence to the home side and which placed the game beyond the reach of the Thomians.

A strong and well deserved victory for the Royalists, as the Royal – Thomian Encounters have almost come to a close for the year 2014. The dedication and commitment put in by the Royal team have been of great value, as it helped keep the Trophy at home, and the current form will undoubtedly continue for the upcoming years to improve the standards of football at College.

 

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