Thomians gain upperhand with 16-12 win in U-15 encounter
S. Thomas’ College defeated traditional rivals Royal College 16-12 in the first leg of their annual water polo encounter played for the Junior Under-15 Mahinda Liyanage Trophy, at the Sugathadasa Stadium Swimming Pool Complex yesterday. The match was played prior to the 31st Hayman Trophy annual water polo encounter. S. Thomas’ led 8-5 at halftime and maintained control throughout the game.
The Thomians, heavily relying on star player Dinuk Wickremesinghe, started strong, leading 4-2 in the first quarter with goals from Lishuka Pushpawansa. In the second quarter, Wickremesinghe added to the Thomians’ tally, while Abdul Kareem and Sulaiman Shihar scored for Royal. Nihilash Gunatheepan goal helped S. Thomas’ maintain a three-goal lead at halftime with the score at 8-5.
In the second half, Janek Peiris brought Royal closer with a goal, reducing the deficit to 6-8. However, Thomians responded swiftly, with Michael Gunawardena scoring twice to extend their lead to 11-6 by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter saw a spirited effort from Royal, with Shihar and skipper Ramiru Aluthge scoring, bringing Royal within reach at 12-16. Despite their efforts, the Thomians’ consistent attacks, including key goals from Wickremesinghe and Pushpawansa, secured a comfortable victory. S. Thomas’ now holds the upper hand as the teams prepare for the second leg.