Royal see blue and black

By Ranjan Anandappa

S. Thomas’ retained the Orville Abeynaike memorial trophy for the 7th consecutive year when they defeated their traditional rivals Royal by 2 goals to nil in their annual schools hockey encounter at the Astro Turf at Reid Avenue yesterday.

The Thomians scored a goal each in the two halves - first by centre forward Mohammed Amjad in the 14 minute of the match and their second goal was scored by P.M.D. Wijewardena in semi darkness.

The Thomians dominated the first half and missed at least two scoring opportunities. But Royal came back strongly in the second half with some constructive moves.

If not for the Thomian goalie T.A.Cassim who withstood a pressure filled mid second half to bring off two saves to give the winners a sigh of relief.

Ravi Irugalbandara and Keerthie Abeywickrema umpired.

In the old boys match Royal beat S.Thomas’ 1-0 to retain the Nihal Nilaweera Memorial Trophy for the fourth year in succession at the same venue.

Left extreme Thisara Herath scored for the winners.