Trinity rugby kings

Hafiz Marikar

The Trinitians led by Kaneel Senavirthne emerged the uncrowned rugby kings of the Sri Lanka schools rugby league 2012 (all Island) with a superb performance.

This rare feat they achieved was after a lapse of over 25 years. The Trinity revival was undoubtedly engineered by the Principal Brig. Udaya Ariyaratne and his team of coaches led technical adviser Neil Foote from New Zealand ably supported by coach Nilufer Ibrahim and the Master-in-charge Prabhath Senanayake.

Trinity ruggerites made their home town Kandy proud when they produced a dazzling performance this season to win the schools plum, and to retain the Bradby Shield with a spectacular 36-20 victory over traditional rivals Royal College in the second leg of the 68th annual inter-schools rugby encounter worked off at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy.

Their hard work crowned them as the best 'A' division league team. They beat schools like - Science, arch rivals St. Anthony's, St. Thomas', Isipatana, Vidyaratha, St. Joseph's, Kingswood, and Royal twice but they unfortunately went down to St Peter's College. Trinity roared and roared with a vengeance to defeat Royal who were leaders of the schools 'A' division until the 1st Leg of the Bradby, both with fitness and with meticulous precision, living upto their school Motto - "Respica Finem" which means "Look to the End".

Over here in the Kandy Bradby game, It was indeed a pleasant surprise to see President Mahinda Rajapaksa gracing this occasion and giving away the Bradby to the winning team.

Every one at Pallekele was happy to see the President at the game along with the Governor of Central Province Tikiri Kobbekkduwa, Minister of Sports Mahindanda Aluthgamgae. The happiest of all was the Principal of Trinity, Brig. Udaya Ariyarthne.

Over here in Kandy, the much sought after monsoon has set in bidding farewell to the prevailing heat. The city has gradually transformed into lush green setting in a picturesque environment for the traditional Esela Perehera.

Kandy's favorite school won the "A" Division league title after lapse of many years. Well in to the night of Saturday, June 30 the entire rugby sporting fraternity of Kandy celebrated, with motorists blaring their horns to show their support.

Dharmaraja emerge "B" division champs

Another school from Kandy, Dharmaraja College who are celebrating 125 years, emerged unbeaten

"B" Division Champions beating Carey, Nalanda, Lumbini, St.Sylvester's, C.W.W. Kannangara, Mahanama, S.Thomas', Thurstan and Wesley. The side was led by Miyuru Hewawasam and coached by former Army SC and Kandy SC full back Nimal Wijesiri. They are left with there traditional game, against Kingswood College, played for William Weerasinghe trophy.

Their Old Boys Union president K.M R. Kulatunga together with the rest thanked every one who helped the rugger team to do well this season and they are happy over the promotion to the "A" division.