Royal stave off fierce Thomian challenge to win 37-33

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Royal College survived a fierce second half rally from their traditional rivals S. Thomas’ College to register a thrilling 37 points to 33 victory in their 47th annual inter school rugby encounter worked off at Mount Lavinia yesterday.

Royal College also retained the Michael Gunaratne Trophy for the fourth successive year while collecting their points from three goals, two tries and two penalties. The Thomians who were trailing 7-31 at half time came back strongly in the second half and responded with three goals, one penalty goal and one try.

Royal also increased their overall tally to 25 victories and came closer to recording the highest total in the series which still stands at 39-3 which was registered in 2002 under the captaincy of Zulki Hamid.

Even then this was a fantastic effort from the Royal outfit who were coming out for the first time this season. They got off to one of the most spectacular starts that they could ever dream of by building up a 21-nil lead within the first ten minutes of play and a further 31-7 lead at the short whistle. The indications were quite clear that Royal were heading towards a comprehensive victory in the series with the home side looking rather dejected following their shock start. However in a dramatic turn of events S. Thomas’ College came back magnificently to create a great amount of opportunities before going down fighting in a close encounter.

Not only the Thomians recovered from their first half debacle but they also came within just one try from snatching what would have been a memorable triumph at the end. But eventually Royal College who handled the pressure well and held their nerves during a tense last few seconds under fading light were able to emerge victorious.

Royal College earlier looked set for a convincing victory while scoring three superb tries through full back Shabir Mohamed, prop forward Nikira Senanayake and skipper Naren Dhason.

Hooker Udara de Silva went over for another try mid way in the first half with centre Duminda Attygalle failing with the conversion having earlier converted the previous three tries.

Royal College then paid the penalty for some complacency at this stage as S Thomas’ College recovered well to score their first try in the 30th minute through second row forward Janith Jayasuriya. But Royal further increased their lead with prop forward and vice captain Nikira Senanayake scoring another try shortly before half time with Attygalle adding the extra points.

S. Thomas’ College then enjoyed their best period in the match soon after the interval where they dominated the proceedings while scoring twice through Janith Jayasuriya and winger Mohamed Raila. Their chances of making a game of it further increased when they were awarded a penalty try following a clear obstruction.

Winger de Silva converted all three tries and S. Thomas’ College had reduced the margin to a solitary try 26-31. Royal College then decided to make some vital replacements and substitute full back Shailendra Chandrasekera responded immediately by firing two superb penalties under tremendous pressure.

In between Thomian full back Jeremy Fernando produced a dazzling performance to touch down after dummying several defenders that stunned the entire Royal camp. Referee: Dilroy Fernando.