Royal vs. Isipathana is always an exciting game as both teams compete fiercely and that has been the norm between the two sides on the Rugby Field. This year’s encounter unfortunately headed South shortly after the resumption of play in the second half after Isipathana scored from a drop kick to bring the scores level at 20 all. Accusations of manhandling and unsportsmanlike play forced the Royal College First XV to walk off the field, bringing the safety of the players into consideration as well. The Major Milroy Fernando Trophy was ultimately handed over to Isipathana College on the Principal of Royal College, Mr. Upali Gunaskera’s decision.

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The game did not start off on the right foot for Royal as Isipathana managed to power through and score twice within the first ten minutes of the game. But as Royal have proven time and time again, they managed to pull one back courtesy of Hooker Shuaib Jabbar, converted by Rimze Jamaldeen. Both teams were awarded penalties towards the end of the first half, making the half time scores Royal 10 – 17 Isipathana. Coming in to the second half, Royal played confidently as the end of the first half saw a positive shift in play for Royal. And surely, the points came for Royal in a short time again through a Rimze Jamaldeen kick on a penalty. The Royal forwards were running the game, pushing Isipathana back with persistence, and surely, the try came for Royal with a successful conversion to put Royal in the lead, 20 – 17.

By this point, the accusations mentioned above had already been made and no course of action was taken by the match referees. With the Isipathana drop kick, the crowds’ attention was drawn towards Manusha Abeykoon who had hit the ground holding his face. The Royal Team left the field shortly, which lead to much confusion at Reid Avenue. This was not the only incident at the game as a while earlier, Keshan Peiris too left the field, bleeding from next to his eye and going into a fit before leaving the field.

The referee strangely did not suspend play and Isipathana went on to score another try while the Royal Team were still off the field, which lead to even more confusion. The game, understandably did not resume and Isipathana went on to lift the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy.

This game may have ended on the 18th of May, but the allegations by the Royalists has prompted an in-depth inquiry into the incident, specially with the word being video proof is also available for reference. Providing the necessary proof is found, serious measures are expected to be taken by the School’s Rugby Union. Leaving all the pandemonium aside, the Royal Team did play impressively towards the conclusion of the game and as this is the final game before they head to Kandy for the First Leg of the Bradby Shield Encounter, they will take many positives with them that will further motivate them for yet another impressive performance.