Royal retain Gunaratne Trophy with 22-18 win
By Ranjan Anandappa
RUGBY: Inspired by a fine forwards display, Royal pulled off a close
22 points (2 tries, 4 penalties) to 18 (3 tries, 1 penalty) win over
traditional rivals S. Thomas' to retain the Michael Gunaratne trophy for
the second successive year in their school rugger match played at
Longden Place yesterday.
The scores read on par 13-13 at the breather.
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TACKLED - Royal’s second rower Thushan Perera is well tackled by
Thomian centre Shaseen Kapuwatte in the Gunaratne Trophy match
played at Longden Place which Royal won 22-18 to retain the trophy
for the second successive year. Picture by Kavindra Perera |
In a typical forwards battle Royal had the better of exchanges and
drove into rucks and mauls while the Thomian fortress like defence kept
the Royalists at bay. In the second half it was a compelling battle of
supremacy with the Royal forwards led by number eight Bilal Hassan
playing a terrific game.
The Royal three quarters lacked imagination being tackled in
possession time and again while the Thomians trying to run the ball were
stalled. However, Royal three quarters will have to improve vastly if
they hope to retain the "Bradby' next week on their home grounds. Royal
sprang into the lead early when hooker Ayesh Rajapakse scored an
unconverted try a off a five yard scrum in a typical forwards play. Then
Thomian Manjith Thammanagama reduced the lead firing over a penalty.
Ayesh Rajapakse once again struck for Royal scoring of a line out.
There after the Thomians produced a sudden burst when Thammanagama
the Thomian play maker kicked one judiciously to touch and the ensuing
line out gave them their first try when Rohitha Rajapakse pierced
through to score an unconverted try. Thomians struck again this time
when number 8 Hasindu Perera covered good ground after picking up a pass
to send Rohitha Rajapakse over to score.
The winners managed only three penalty put over by Chandrasekera in
the second half while Charith Hettiarachchi scored an unconverted try
for the losers.
Royal has won the Michael Gunaratne trophy on 23 occasion to the
Thomians 17. There has been 5 draws in the series while in 1979 the
match was not played.
D. Nimal refereed.
Royal won the junior game 15-7.
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