Within the realm of the Bradby, anything is possible – from the most miraculous comebacks to the most crushing defeats. It is this uncertainty of the outcome that sets the stage for any Bradby encounter. Royal College were the domineering favorites coming into the encounter with Trinity having bagged only half their previous outings. Under this context came the eve of the 21st of April at the Royal College Sports Complex as the Royal Tuskers took the field for the 1st leg of the 74th Bradby Shield Encounter as well as the final match of the first stage of the Singer Schools Rugby League. Royal had already emerged victorious in the Under 16 match as well as the Under 18 match played for the Simithriarachchi Trophy earlier in the day.

Ten minutes into the game the pressure was placed on both sides as Royal earned a penalty against Trinity that the otherwise trusty boot of Dulan Gunawardena failed to make. Trinity too was offered a penalty minutes later but failed as well to add any points onto the scoreboard. Minutes into the game the Royal supporters were put at ease for a “David vs. Goliath” style outcome that many of the Trinity camp promised seemed highly unlikely.

It took a grueling 15 minutes for the tuskers to break through with an unconverted try by Sasitha Siyath, opening the board 5 – 0 in favor of RC, with Gunawardena missing the posts once again. Minutes later, Janidu Dilshan proceeded to break through the Trinity defense scoring the second try for the evening. Dulan Gunawardena finally showed us his familiar colours as he effortlessly scored the extras placing Royal College at a comfortable 12 point lead.

The Trinitians put up a valiant offensive – however, ball in hand Royal College proved to be the far superior side in both offensive and defensive play. Bimsara Induwara scored the 3rd try for the tuskers working around a visibly tiring trinity defense. Gunawardena worked his magic with the conversion to settle the score RC 19, TCK 0 at lemons.

The boys from Reid Avenue capitalized early on into the second half on Trinity errors; allowing the Royalists to push their way to a try scored by Vice Captain Maleesha Madumevan. Switching gears, a hopeful Trinity side adamant on maintaining ball possession managed to sneak in a try at the 50th minute via their star winger Vishwa Ranaraja. Trinity failed however to keep up their ploy as Royal regained possession enabling Janidu Dilshan to work around the opposing side to secure his second try of the game. After a successful conversion by Gunawardena the score now read 31 – 7 in favor of RC.

It is rather humbling to note how this was the first Royal – Trinity game since 2013 to see a first leg venture into the 30 point mark. The next five points for Royal came as the 15th man Himantha Hirushan carried the ball over the try line. The Television Match Official was consulted over what seemed to be a forward pass leading up to the try. The try was greenlit and added to an impressive Royal roster of 36 points.

In the dying moments of the game a Royal outfit that had nothing left to prove was awarded a penalty kick. Comfortably making the kick for 3 points Royal College bagged the first leg with an impressive performance of trademark Royal rugby. With two weeks left for the second leg on the 5th of May only time will tell of the glory they are yet to claim.

Full Time: Royal College 39 (6T 3C 1P) – 7 (1T 1C) Trinity College

Photo Gallery : Media Unit & Photographic Society