Royal started the game looking to make amends for their poor performance last week against Science College and the team looked more in the game after certain training changes that took place within the week. Vice Captain Shuhaib Muthalip didn’t make the stating line up after experiencing a concussion during last week’s game. Kingswood and Royal both started off strong playing well both offensively & defensively. Gaps looked to be scarce as the ball spent more time at the center of the field.

Royal’s Udesh Eranga and Banuka Gamage were the stand out players of the day and surely, the first try was scored by Udesh after a blistering Run down the far side of the grounds. Captain Rimze Jamaldeen was unable to convert. Within minutes, Kingswood stepped up and forced a mistake from the Royal side, breaking through the Royal defense. The run was halted just before the try line on the far side, but Kingswood recovered hastily and eventually scored the down the center. Kingswood went on to convert, making the scores Royal 05 – 07 Kingswood. The Royal camp would have seen some worried faces at this point, but the boys in blue & gold wasted no time in making their way back into the Kingswood half. Royal managed to make it below the Kingswood goal post but a knock on was called to the disappointment of the Royalists. Udesh continued his stunning runs down the wings throughout the game. He was brought down aggressively on such a run and a penalty was awarded to Royal. Rimze took the penalty under a lot of pressure coming from the Kingswood support, and scored; making it Riyal 08 – 07 Kingswood just as the half time whistle was blown.

The second half saw Royal continue to hold on to the ball. Udesh was getting too hot for the Kandyans to handle and he was yet again tackled aggressively and Royal were awarded another penalty. Unfortunately, Rimze missed this chance by inches. Kingswood then managed to go against the run of play and out maneuvered the Royal defense and made a sure run to score. But Banuka Gamage showed tremendous speed to cut off the run just before Kingswood scored. His effort was deemed illegal, and resulted in a booking. Within a few minutes, Pasindu Perera made a quick breakthrough to score the second try for Royal; running past three to four Kingswood players. Once again, Rimze was unable to do the needful with the conversion. the game didn’t see man highlights after this point, and Royal saw the game through to bring home the win.

The win will have a very positive impact on the team, but Royal’s performance did not seem to be up to the standard of expected professionalism. Ball handling and line-outs were quite poor throughout the game and will be skills that the players will focus on in the weeks to come. Nevertheless, Royal look to have steadied themselves and ready to face the challenges to come. Udesh Eranga & Banuka Gamage displayed impressive speed and power and the team will look to them to keep up their game right through the season. Rimze Jamaldeen was not at this best, but its clear that he is working extremely hard at giving his 100 % and concentrating on his duties as Captain.

All in all, the game showed Royal’s resilience and will power and the team look to be heading in the right direction. Let’s hope for this to be the first of many victories to come!