The consensus of opinion regarding the first leg off the 67th Bradby scheduled for Saturday at the Royal Complex is that it will be too close to call.
Both sides have shed the invincible tag. The Trinitians were soundly beaten by the Peterites and the Thomians, but only just went under to the Antonians. Royal on the other hand, had a glorious game against the probable champions St Peters. But their euphoria was short-lived as Isipathana brought them down to earth with a third.
Royal one of the strongest sides this season had only one low against Isipatana (Pic Ranjith Perera) |
Last year, Vishvajith Wijesinghe's Lions were devoured by the rampant Royalists (12-22 and 15-31). The previous year, Milinda Gunawardena’s side had a close call in the second game but emerged triumphant overall because of their twelve point lead in the first leg. (Trinity 24-12 and 0-8)
The Sunday Times sought the views of six eminent rugby players (almost all of them national players) of yore and coaches.
Old Trinitian Maurice Perera who was involved in coaching and administration in a big way has this to say: “When it comes to the Bradby, it’s a different game altogether. The talent inside you comes out. It is a life and death effort for both sets of players.
Trinity is a talented side but the coach hasn’t extracted the best of that talent. The Trinitians haven’t got their act together. Both teams are equally balanced. I feel that the side that makes fewer mistakes will win.” A former referee and coach says this match will be a good opportunity for Trinity. The Trinity forwards are better than Royals. The pack is an experienced one. Royal don’t have that many serious.
The Trinity back division is the only worry. They are still experimenting with players and positions. They have played in fits and starts. They played superbly for twenty minutes or so against the Peterites. They also had a very impressive outing against Kingswood.” A former Sri Lanka player who "learnt of books and men” is of the view that this year’s Bradby will be close. “Trinity is quite a good side but they have played well only in fits and starts. The Royal forwards are very strong. The Colombo venue will work to Royals advantage”. He said.
An ex Sri Lanka flanker who coached a few Kandy Schools (including his alma Mater) and is now a rugby consultant says. "I think Royal will win the Colombo leg and Trinity the Kandy one.
The outcome will be close and could depend on one or two points. Royal has the better pack. Their forwards are fantastic. Theirs is the most improved pack. Trinity has good players but they have to click. Both teams are at the same level. Place-kicking will be crucial.”
An ex Sri Lankan Scrum-half with links to neither school says that Royal will win because their forwards are good.
Finally, to the views of a Trinity rugby legend, Ajith Abeyratne. He says “It’s a tough call for Trinity. They haven’t got their patterns of play correct. Trinity doesn’t seem to know where their strength lies. They keep switching players around.
They should have settled by now. Tend to be a bit disorganized. Don’t know what to do when under pressure.
Royal’s confidence must be low after the Isipathana game. The Royal defense was in tatters as Isipathana had quite a bit of ball. However they seem to have a pattern of play. They play good ten man rugby.” |
E-mail
