Thomian juniors win Mahinda Liyanage Trophy
S. Thomas’ College edged Royal College by a single goal and record a 9-8 win in the second leg, to secure a five-goal aggregate win to claim the 25th Mahinda Liyanage Trophy in their annual Under-15 water polo encounter played at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex yesterday.
The Thomians’ hard-fought 9-8 victory in the second leg, following their 16-12 triumph in the first leg last week, took their aggregate to 25 against Royal’s 20. This ensured them a well-deserved win over their traditional rivals. S. Thomas’ displayed excellent game management throughout both legs, as Dinuk Wickramasinghe played a pivotal role, while Royal’s Sulaiman Shihar and Ramiru Aluthge put up a valiant fight. Despite Royal’s best efforts, the Thomians held on for the narrow one-goal win yesterday.
Royal took 29 shots compared to the Thomians’ 26, but it was the Thomians’ efficiency that made the difference. They had a shooting percentage of 35 while Royal managed 28. The Thomians faced six exclusions, while Royal had only two. Royal also earned three penalties, but the Thomians had none.
Royal captain Ramiru Aluthge was tightly marked throughout the match, and the Thomians’ strong three-pronged defence made it difficult for Royal to break through. In the end, S. Thomas’ defence and strategic play secured the Under-15 title, even as Royal fought hard for every goal.