Tuesday Jul 28, 2026
Tuesday Jul 28, 2026
Monday, 27 July 2026 03:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel in Pallekele
Trinity College produced one of the finest displays this season to overpower Royal College 39-10 in the second leg and regain the prestigious Bradby Shield at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele yesterday. The Lions also completed a commanding aggregate victory of 72-20 after winning both legs in emphatic fashion.
Trinity scored five tries, four conversions and two penalties to Royal’s two tries.
At the short breather, Trinity led 13-0.
The home side looked settled and full of confidence from the opening whistle, dominating possession and territory during the opening exchanges. Fly-half Shan Althaf controlled proceedings brilliantly with his tactical kicking and game management, pinning Royal deep inside their own half. Achintha Jayasena, Evin Jayasena, Minula Yaddehige, Hamza Abdeen and Udan Wijekoon played their hearts out in their final outing in the school colours.
Trinity opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Althaf landed a penalty from 30 metres out before adding another successful kick from 35 metres to extend the lead to 6-0. The Lions continued to apply pressure through a well-organised forward effort, well supported by their three-quarter line.
The breakthrough try arrived just before the interval when Hamza Abdeen launched a superb attacking movement, allowing Evin Jayasena to crash over. Amher Faizal added the conversion as Trinity went into the break with a deserved 13-0 advantage after enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
Royal responded immediately after the restart with skipper Disas Pathirana crossing for an unconverted try, but Trinity answered in devastating fashion. A sweeping three-quarter movement ended with Faizal touching down before Althaf converted to make it 20-5.
The Lions then took complete control of the contest. Maduranga de Silva finished off a brilliant ghosting run for Trinity’s fourth try, with Althaf once again adding the extra points. Moments later, the outstanding Althaf produced the individual moment of the match, sprinting nearly 40 metres for a superb solo try, while Faizal converted magnificently from near the corner flag.
Nahil Jayah added Trinity’s fifth try to put the result beyond doubt before Pathirana scored a late consolation try for Royal. Trinity finished with five tries, four conversions and two penalties against Royal’s two unconverted tries.
Japanese referee Yusaka Murata officiated in this encounter.
Earlier in the day, Trinity also dominated the junior encounter with a convincing 29-0 victory over Royal, completing a memorable day for the school by clinching the Simithrarachchi Trophy as well.
