Thomians pip Royal for fifth title in a row
Action at Royal-Thomian Water polo tie yesterday. Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
S. Thomas’ record their fifth consecutive win in the 26th R.L. Hayman Trophy water polo encounter against their traditional rivals Royal in a tense second leg clash at the Sugathadasa Swimming Complex yesterday.
Up to the third quarter Royal were occupying the box seat with the scoreboard reading 9-5. Everyone at the Sugathadasa Swimming Complex expected Royal to repeat their 2012 performance, after losing the first leg but their hopes were shattered when Manula Wickremaratne scoring the goal of the match in the final minute which gave the Thomians the ownership of the Hayman Trophy.
An absorbing day’s of water polo was exhibited by both teams as Royal took to the water to curb the rampaging Thomians. A complete looking Royal team started off with a bang to lead the first quarter with a goal, two goals in the second quarter. Basith Yakoob and Savinda Dissanayake took Royal ahead with a goal each while Manula Wickremaratne scored for the Thomians. Royal led 9-5 at the end of the quarter.
The game turned out to be a fearless battle in the final quarter. Both teams exhibiting the true grit of the Blues with fortunes swinging from side to side. Isiwarnuna De Silva added one more goal to the Reid Avenue school and it was the shot at the goal by Manula Wickremaratne gave the Thomian supporters to take home the memories of a fine water polo encounter. Though Royal led 10-6 at the final whistle the R.L. Hayman Trophy found shelter at the school by the sea for the fifth successive time in the series.
Isura Kahandawala was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the match.
Thomian Under 15 won the Mahinda Liyanage Trophy with a 7-1 win.