Lions claim battle in Bradby war by a whisker
View(s):The match had everything – excitement, drama, skill, and errors. Trinity managed to edge out Royal, the pre-match favorites, in a game where both sides scored a solitary try each. Ultimately, it was the precision of the placekickers that made the difference.
The first leg of the 78th Bradby Shield encounter at Royal Complex had everything a rugby game could offer - Pix by Eshan Fernando
Trinity flyhalf Althaf stood out against his opposite number Idris Farouk. Both flyhalves made four successful kicks towards the goal – Farouk, a conversion and three penalties and Althaf, three penalties and a game-changing drop goal that put Trinity back on the saddle with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Althaf contributed 12 of his team’s 17 points, while Farouk accounted for 11 of Royal’s 16 points.
Eventually Trinity ended up with a tally of a try, three penalties and a drop goal against Royal’s converted try and three penalties. However, it was Royal who led the halftime by 13-8, despite being more insolent than their opponents, winning eight of the 15 lineouts during the whole game. They conceded 15 penalties against eight by Trinity and had seven crucial handling errors than of their opponent’s six.
Out of the total of 178 tackles made throughout the game 98 were made by Trinity, showcasing the strength of their defence. Despite their 80 tackling efforts, Royal were ruthless once they were in possession with the ball.
After a start that was shaky as well as overwhelming, Royal were well countered and contained by Trinity, who looked to have come well prepared for the crucial battle. However, their enthusiasm eventually ended up rewarding a penalty to Royal in the 10th minute, as Farouk made a perfect kick to put his team in the lead 3-0.
Murad Raizan touches down for Trinity
Trinity wasted little time making amends for their early mishap, capitalising on a Royal error just three minutes later. Althaf seized the opportunity, slotting one of his three successful penalties to level the score. Demonstrating his skill and awareness, Althaf delivered an All Blacks style kick from the right flank to the left side of the field, that must have impressed the New Zealand High Commissioner who was present, allowing winger Murad Raizan to touch down despite being tightly embraced by a Royal defender. Although Althaf missed the conversion, Trinity edged ahead 8-3.
In the 20th minute, another error from Trinity handed Royal a chance to close the gap, and Farouk duly obliged by converting the penalty, bringing the score to 8-6. Five minutes later, Royal orchestrated a fine breakthrough with a well-coordinated three-quarter move, culminating in winger Fahad Nazeer scoring a try after a slick offload from center Nabeel Yahiya. Farouk’s successful conversion saw Royal regain the lead, taking a 13-8 advantage into halftime.
The second half saw both teams play cautiously, looking for opportunities to score. Trinity, however, was more determined, stifling Royal’s attempts to dominate. Althaf’s kicking was crucial during this period, with two long-range penalties (35meter and 48 metre) in the 42nd and 49th minutes, giving Trinity a slender 14-13 lead.
That led them to attack more on Royal territory, while the home team failed to turn a few opportunities into points despite making some near perfect breakthroughs. An unexpected drop goal by Althaf in the 60th minute against the run of play pushed their lead further to 17-13.
With points on the board being critical in a two-leg encounter Farouk put over his third penalty in the 63rd minute, as Royal narrowed the deficit to a point 16-17.
During the remaining seven minutes Trinity attempted to penetrate the Royal defence, which was resolute and well-composed not to concede undue advantage to their already fired up opponents. After holding on their territory during the dying minutes of the game, Royal ceased an opportunity to make a breakthrough, but they were luckless in executing the move into points.
The game was well handled with accurate pace and callings by South African referee Jaco de Wit, with former Royalist Aaqil Jamaldeen and former Trinitian Clement Isack – both ARFU qualified referees based in the UAE – as assistant referees.
Royal win U-16 encounter 17-7
Royal College beat Trinity College by 17-7 in the first leg of the Under-16 match played for the C. E. Simithraaratchy Trophy prior to the senior game at the same venue. Royal gained their points through three tries and a conversion while Trinity scored from a solitary converted try after the first half ended scoreless. The second leg of the 78th Bradby Shield encounter will be played on September 7 at the Trinity Rugby ground in Pallekele.