Royal’s defence stands tall to regain Bradby Shield

By Shamseer Jaleel

Royal College weathered a fierce onslaught from Trinity College to regain the 79th Bradby Shield on an aggregate score of 18/13 despite going down 3/8 in the second leg played in-front of a packed Royal College Sports Complex on Saturday.

At the short breather it was Trinity Lions who led 5/0.

It was a bruising encounter that showed the very essence of Bradby rugby passion, intensity, and fine margins. Trinity threw everything at Royal, but the Reid Avenue lads stood firm, their defence was out of this world ultimately proving decisive.

Trinity began in electrifying fashion. Just three minutes in, their powerful prop, Achintha Jayasena barged over from close range to put the visitors ahead. It was the start the Lions desperately needed, but the conversion attempt by Sadeesha Weerawansa was surprisingly off target as Trinity took a 5/0 early lead.

Royal, momentarily rattled, had chances to steady themselves. However, fly half, Shemak Shafeek missed three penalty kicks in quick succession. Those missed opportunities left Royal still searching for points, while Trinity grew in confidence.

Trinity nearly stretched their lead in the 22nd minute, but Shan Althaf penalty agonisingly struck the upright. Despite dominating territory and possession, Trinity went into the break leading 5/0 as Royal’s resolute tackling and organised defensive line put a stop from reaching the try line. Trinity skipper, Usmaan Safraz, Abdul Malik, Manusha Silva and Nisith Kumarasinghe had outstanding game for the Lions while for the Royal outfit it was their skipper, Amika Samarasinghe, Naqeeb Mohomed, Yuwan Pathirana and Disas Pathirana played their hearts out for the Reid Avenue outfit.

After the turnaround, Trinity’s forwards ramped up the pressure. Phase after phase, they hammered Royal’s defence, eventually earning a penalty which Shan Althaf converted in the 61st minute to make it 8/0. Suddenly, the aggregate stood at just 15/13 and the Shield was hanging by a thread.

But it was here that Royal’s defensive grit truly shone. Their forwards absorbed wave after wave of Trinity attacks, closing down space and denying their rivals the chance to strike again. Every tackle was made with commitment, every ruck contested fiercely.

Then, with nerves of steel, Idrees Farouk coming late in the second half due to injury slotted a 35-metre penalty in the 66th minute to calm Royal hearts. That kick, which brought the score to 8/3, pushed the aggregate to 18/13, a crucial five-point cushion that Trinity could not erase.

The final minutes were an arm-wrestle. Trinity surged forward desperately, but Royal’s defence held its shape, refusing to concede ground. It was a classic display of championship composure under pressure.

At the final whistle, Trinity could celebrate a hard-fought second-leg win, but the Bradby Shield made a long journey back to Reid Avenue thanks to Royal’s 15/5 victory in the first leg.

Referee was Jaco Brouwer of South Africa.

Royal last won the Bradby in 2023 under Randul Senanayake. Now the Bradby tally is even narrowed with Trinity leading 40 to Royals 37 while two years ending in tied encounters. Royal under Dushanth Lewke’s coaching took home all silverware in traditional encounters this season against Isipathana, St Peter’s, St Thomas’ and Trinity. Under Lewke, Banuka Nanayakara (Assistant Coach Backs), Azmir Fajudeen (Assistant Coach Forwards), Iroshan Bandara (Manager), Chatura Avishka (Trainer), Pawan Gunawardena (Physio), Dr. Manona Nanayakara and Ajith Silva (Kicking Coach) contributed immensely.

Trinity under Fazil Marija coaching were so close yet so far in retaining the Bradby Shield. They retained the Canon de Seram trophy and accounted for the Schools League after 38 long years but will be waiting for next year’s Bradby to take home the shield back to Central Hills. Out of the 18 games this season they lost out to Isipathana in the knockout trophy to end as runner up. In the league, Trinity lost to St. Peter’s and the first leg of the 79th Bradby in Kandy.

In the Under 16 Simithrarachchi Trophy, Trinity after going down 5/20 in the first leg fought back brilliantly not only to beat Royal 31/3 but also take home the Shield on aggregate .

-Pic courtesy thepapare.com