The review of the 2018 season of the Singer Schools Rugby League brings one to a simple conclusion: no other school has stuck together and pulled through to a League title as well as Royal has across the past two years. Winning by record scores and winning by narrow margins –but winning all the same! It is easy to downplay the remarkable levels of rugby prowess in the offensive and defensive play of this crowned Royal Side. Bagging the B.C Angie Trophy for the 4th consecutive year and the League Trophy – undefeated for a second year, Sabith Feroze’ dream team pulled off a magnificent finale against the Peterites on the 9th of June at their home grounds: Leaving the loyal fans a little crestfallen in the knowledge it was over.

Pre – game, there existed a lot of academic buzz centered on the points table – a lot of if they / could they ‘win by’ or ‘lose by’ scores were being tossed around the three title contenders Royal College, St. Peters College & St. Josephs College. Even though the points table was still in the Royalists favor, the tuskers did what they usually do – and ruthlessly tackled & passed through the 70 minutes solidifying their position as the local kings of the game with a score of 32 – 13 in favor of the champs.

Setting the stage for the finale, the bright and sunny weather was refreshing – not only did it help to up the overarching tension and morale of the crowd it facilitated both teams to display some open & fast running rugby. The Gunewardane of Bambalapitiya, Shehan Liyanapathirana drew first blood for peters as he kicks through the posts from 40m out for 3 points.

Despite St. Peters constantly attacking the Royal defense, they could not find an opening this evening. A few minutes of rough rugby that followed allowed the tuskers to kick out to touch and regain the ball – and territory as they rolled their way towards the Bambalapitiya Line. It was Ifham Fareed who placed the ball over the line whilst Dulan Gunewardane secured the extras.

St. Peters was offered a penalty in the 30th minute but didn’t quite get to add on the points – an outcome that possibly still haunts the opposition as Royals’ Mubeen Faleed comfortably scored the second try of the game soon after. The magic boot of Dulan didn’t quite follow through, yet they approached lemons with a comfortable 12 – 3 score: Royal taking the upper hand.

St. Peter’s finding some post lemons inspiration seemed to have started have things going for them as they kept the Royal defense busy with some well executed play that won them the inches required to still be in the game. This time they were able to get maximum points as they reduced the lead to a mere two points in the 40th minute or so. The Royal response? Once they had the ball in hand – a series of expertly executed play witnessed Ifham Fareed get his name on the score sheet for the second time that evening. Dulan decided perhaps the Royal side didn’t need the conversion (Non – literally) that kept the score at 17 – 10.

The Peterites spared no expense as they put their hearts and bodies on the line desperately trying to surpass the Reid Avenue side. The pressure piled on by Peters seemed to follow through as they were awarded a penalty, secured, it left the score at 17 – 13.  When Royal’s Himantha Hirushan was sent to the benches by the referees the Royalists seemed to say “we will be pushed no further!” as they planted their feet firmly on the ground and unleashed the ‘ruthlessness’ of the evening.  Despite a man less, the Tuskers dominated the arena from that point onwards.

Try after Try the rugby titans of Royal College showed no mercy! The skipper Sabith Feroze who received the ball next to enemy lines scored to the left of the line. A meager 2 minutes later the Dominant side was back on the board with winger, Pasindu Fernando doing the honors. Twenty-nine – thirteen sang the scoreboard with only one of the two tries being converted. In the dying moments of the game Dulan Gunewardane proceeded to casually sprinkle salt on the wounded by calmly making a 35m kick gaining 3 final points for Royal.

St. Peters College although playing a man’s game in the beginning succumbed to the dominant Royal second half play. Luckily, they will be the worthy opponents who last face this Royal onslaught (at least for this year). Minutes after the referees last whistle the gentlemen from Reid Avenue were crowned the undefeated champions of Schools Rugby. Making history, they are the first team to become back to back champions after 11 years.

For any other team the loss of a long term coach and many iconic coloursmen would herald a period of significant rebuilding and a definite drop in performance. Not Royal, Royal through a combination of hard work, grit, spirit and perseverance did Justice to the legacy of Royal rugby that will echo in the chambers of our small island nation for years to come. Remembering the great sacrifices of the players, coaching staff and stakeholders of 2018 and keeping a sharp and watchful eye on 2019: we can’t help but say with pride and glory – one last;

Floreat!