Gladiators clash next week
There is a belief that when it comes to the Bradby, Royal, more so than Trinity, lift their game to an unexpected level. Proof of that may be forthcoming when the two gladiators encounter each other in the first leg of the 73rd Bradby at Pallekele, come Saturday, May 20.
Royal’s path to potential Bradby stardom hasn’t come easily. Playing in the group of death, as it were, they took time to settle down. They avoided defeat by a whisker against Dharmaraja. They contrived to beat “the Saints” by margins of six points and five. But were forced to concede defeat (also by five points) to mighty Isipathana.
The Royal side has shown much improvement in the second round as a result of better understanding among the players. They have also taken their responsibilities more seriously. Consequently, the team is currently in good shape.
It has been pointed out that even in their solitary defeat, they had their chances but didn’t take them. But all that is so much water under the Kelani river.
Over the last couple of seasons, the famous (to some, infamous!) ‘Rolling Maul’ was the basis of their success. They have not abandoned their chief stock-in-trade completely, but use it more selectively. Royal sources point out that their back four are more or less the same as last year. But they have gained more experience. Hence the decision to rely on them a bit more.
Having started off in the last line of defence, skipper Ovin Askey now occupies the number ten slot. He can dictate the flow of the game well from that position. Askey is also adept at drop kicks, as Dharmaraja found out to their detriment. Nikhil de Silva will be paining off with the skipper.
Sabith Feroze, the winger, is the undoubted star of the three quarter line. An exemplary finisher, his team will be depending on him a lot. Janidu Dilshan has been in good try-scoring from. Trinitians will no doubt remember him for that bit of opportunism in the opening minutes of a previous Bradby game.
The other centre, Thulaib Hussain, is a good incisive runner who also excels in defence. Hooker Hamza Reeza, who has also played at number eight, is extremely dangerous when it comes to goal-line situations. He’s proved it time and again. He is another ace in the Royal pack.
Lennox Calyanaratne could figure at number eight, versatile Nikhil George is poised to play at lock. Himantha Hirushan and Rishmal Fernando, by didn’t of consistent performances, will be the props. Saritha Siyath and Samadhi Induwara will combine in the second row. Mohamed Shaqir will function as full back. The phlegmatic Sanath Martis, who plays his cards close to his chest, is quietly confident. An experienced, successful coach, he’s got nothing to prove.
Last year, the Bradby was tied, for only the second time in it’s family long history. Having lost 17-22 in Colombo, the Kandy lads did well to win the return leg 18-13. Alas, Rahul Karunathilaka’s team fell short of glory by a mere point. The fact that the first match is in Kandy could just tip the scales in Trinity’s favour.
But Trinity has a couple of problems on their plate. The dynamic, daring centre Dilukshan Dange is carrying an injury. The chances are that he will turn out, even though his movements could be restricted. The other, is the absence of a dependable place-kicker. Lashen Wijesuriya was tried out initially. Then Rashen Bandaranayake was handed the “Poisoned Chalice”. It appears that it could be back to Wijesuriya at Pallekele.
Anuka Boyagoda, a will-of-the-wisp as a scrum half, is another who lends a certain dynamism to the team. However, he should guard against the tendency to run backwards when passing.
Trinity is fortunate to have the services of Aveesha Priyankara and Shaveen Ekanayake as props. Their performances have caught the eye many a time. They are “total” players who are not restricted by their role.
Nathan Yee, the skipper, has become more assertive after being a trifle laid back at the start. He’s a bustling type of player who is good at foraging for the ball.
Trinity could play the two Bandaranayakes – the elder Reshan on the wing, and Rashen at full back. Akitha Sakalasooriya, who was the only try scorer for Trinity in that loss to St. Peter’s, is under consideration for the number ten slot.
A celebrated Sevens player on the World Stage, Lote Raikabula, has made certain changes in style. The mobile Trinity forwards, together with the backs, play running Rugby. They endeavour to keep contact to a minimum and avoid too many hits. Instead, they concentrate on moving the ball.
Both sides undoubtedly have their strengths and drawbacks. To me, this Bradby game has the makings of a ‘six of one and half a dozen of the other’ clash. Given the prestigious nature of the battle, it would be a good idea to get down a foreign referee. The leading local referees have come under the scanner in recent times and have been found wanting.
Probable line-ups:
Royal:Himantha Hirushan, Hamza Reeza, Rishmal Fernando, Samadhi Induwara, Sasitha Siyath, Dilanga Rodrigo (Nikhil George), Maleesha Madumevan, Lennox Calyanaratne, Nikhil de Silva, Ovin Askey, Sabith Feroze, Thulaib Hassen, Janidu Dilshan, Pasindu Fernando, Mohamed Shaqir.
Coach - Sanath Martis
Trinity: Aveesha Priyankara, Hasiru Keliwatte, Shaveen Ekanayake, Rishen Madena, Pasan Samarawickrema, Keshava Palayangoda (Bevishan Wijewickrema), Kaneesha Alwis, Nathan Yee, Anuka Boyagoda, Akitha Sakalasuriya (Lashen Wijesuriya), Amith Kulatunga, Warren Weerakoon, Diluksha Dange (Naveen Rajaratnam), Reshan Bandaranayake, Rashen Bandaranayake.
Coach - Lote Raikabula
We regret our inability to introduce the Trinity College team with their pictures, as the Sunday Times did not receive the customary cooperation from the team authorities. The picture of Trinity skipper is from our library files.
