Michael Gunaratne Trophy stays at Reid Avenue
Both teams had their moments of glory, as well as situations to reflect as the Royal took the upper hand in a battle that eventually gave the team’s Head Coach, Dushanth Lewke a memorable outing in his 50th game in-charge. Royal scored from four tries and three conversions with fullback Yuwan Pathirana touching down twice. But they were dazed by the Thomians, who led the halftime by 17-12, and eventually ended up with a tally of two converted tries and two penalties, following a double from hooker Dehan Senaratne.
Royal skipper Thivain Perera receiving the Michael Gunaratne Trophy from former Royal rugby player and grandson of Michael Gunaratne, Capt. Rajan Gunaratne
It was a battle of honour for both sides with Royal losing both legs of the 78th Bradby Shield to Trinity College and S. Thomas’ waning to a 20-25 defeat during extra time against Isipathana College in the President’s Trophy semi-final after ending the game at 20-all. But it was a totally different game for both teams yesterday, who met each other for the 67th time in the traditional game.
Fullback Yuwan Pathirana scores one of his two treis for Royal - Pic by Eshan Fernando
Royal wasted little time as winger Fahad Nazar landed a try in the second minute, following a well-ordered backline move. With flyhalf Idris Farouk’s conversion Royal were 7-0. The Thomians opened scoring with a penalty in the 11th minute by skipper and fullback Yehan Bulathsinhalage to trail 7-3.
Royal fullback Pathirana received an offload from a well-executed backline move in the 25th minute to land his first try. Despite the failed conversion they extended the lead to 12-3.
But they were shocked by the Thomians during the remaining duration with two tries, in the 29th and 34th minutes, both landed by hooker Senaratne. The visitors were on the onslaught and succeeded a forward move, only to continue their offensive further to close in 12-10.
No sooner Royal prop Thineth Gamage was shown a yellow card in the 33rd minute, the Thomians turned the opportunity into points with Senaratne scoring an identical try. With Bulathsinhalage converting both tries, Thomians led the halftime 17-12.
After the resumption the Thomians were tipped to tighten their grip and seek an opportunity to regain the trophy after 2016, but their only solace came through a penalty, which Bulathsinhalage put over in the 48th minute and put his team at 20-12.
Despite making constant errors, Royal made sure they put the Thomians at bay and penetrate their defence at possible opportunities. They succeeded in the 51st minute through a forward move, allowing No.8 Ayyash Shiyam to brace a try and give Farouk an easy conversion to cut down the deficit 20-19.
Royal forced the Thomians to commit errors during the final phase, and made a breakthrough in the 67th minute as fullback Pathirana crossed the line for the second time. With Farouk’s conversion they regained the lead 26-20 and maintained the grip to seal the win.