Royal win League title on bonus point | Sunday Observer

Royal win League title on bonus point

30 June, 2019
The Royal College squad comprising Thulaib Hassen, Tuan Dilshan Jayah,  Mohommed Al Nawran,Vehan Manthila, Induwra Illukpitiya, Pasindu Gurusinghe, Rajindu Jayasuriya, Fadhil Adahan, Janendra Nanayakara, Lahiru Tillekaratne, Kevin Samarasekara, Achitha Radeeshan,  Radesh Wijerathna, Avika Kelegama, Viren Gajanayake, Samadhi Induwara,  Nipuna Yasojana, Kaveen Sasanga, Mighara Mihisanka, Raveen Shenuka,  Kalindu Nandila, Lehaan Gunaratne, Harsith Peries, Abdul Rahaman, Kashyapa Amarasinghe, Chamiththa Diwanke
The Royal College squad comprising Thulaib Hassen, Tuan Dilshan Jayah, Mohommed Al Nawran,Vehan Manthila, Induwra Illukpitiya, Pasindu Gurusinghe, Rajindu Jayasuriya, Fadhil Adahan, Janendra Nanayakara, Lahiru Tillekaratne, Kevin Samarasekara, Achitha Radeeshan, Radesh Wijerathna, Avika Kelegama, Viren Gajanayake, Samadhi Induwara, Nipuna Yasojana, Kaveen Sasanga, Mighara Mihisanka, Raveen Shenuka, Kalindu Nandila, Lehaan Gunaratne, Harsith Peries, Abdul Rahaman, Kashyapa Amarasinghe, Chamiththa Diwanke, Avin George, Ashen Induwara, Maleesha Perera, Mohommed Abdullah, Yasis Rashmika, Dulan Gunawardena, Pawan Kawishka, Adithya Weerasooriya and Madushan Vikum pose with the Singer trophy

Royal College became the first team in the 21st century to win three back to back inter-school League rugby titles that came through courtesy of a bonus point when they beat St. Joseph’s College 24-17 in the tournament’s eventual decider at the Royal Sports Complex ground yesterday.

Royal had to score four tries to pip St. Peter’s College to the title and did exactly that as the Joes lost their third match of the tournament by replying with three tries.

Ironically St. Peter’s College was the only team to beat Royal College in the run-up to the decider. The Peterites too had lost one match (20-21) which was their opener against S. Thomas’ College which they should have won if not for a missed simple conversion to a last minute try.

Both the Peterites and Royal finished the League with eight wins and a defeat each.

Hooker Rajindu Jayasuriya played a major role for Royal as he scored two tries one of which came in the second half after his team took a 14-10 lead at half time.

Jayasuriya scored Royal’s first try off a rolling maul ten minutes into the match that was converted by placekicker Dulan Gunawardena.

The Joes had some good scoring opportunities but due to some poor ball handling ended up losing headway.

In the 21st minute of the game Royal scored their second try through Yasis Rashmika for Gunawardena to add the extra points for a 14-0 score.

Soon after it the Joes got into action and scored their first try through a rolling maul as Gershorn Thangaiya touched down for the conversion to be made by Santhush Algama who also put over a penalty making the scores 14-10.

Seventeen minutes into the second half Royal scored their third try through Achintha Radeeshan but Gunawardena failed in the conversion attempt.

It was followed by the Joes scoring their second try through Rashen Gunawardena for Santhush Algama to convert and the scores stood at 19-17 in favour of Royal.

With seven minutes left Royal scored the match winning try through Jayasuriya.

Comments