Royal has edge over S.Thomas'
By Leslie FERNANDO
WATERPOLO: It's Hayman time again. The two best teams in the island -
Royal and S. Thomas' will battle-it-out for the R.L. Hayman Challenge
Trophy in 'first leg' of the 17th annual waterpolo encounter will be
played tomorrow October 13 and the 'second leg' on October 18 at the
Sugathadasa Stadium Swimming Pool.
The clash between these two waterpolo powerhouses should produce a
breath-taking encounter.
Over the last 17 years this encounter has produced over 75 per cent
of the Sri Lanka team, and has been responsible for the development and
improvement of the sport, culminating in the national team, securing a
silver medal at the last South Asian Swimming and Waterpolo
Championships held in Pakistan.
Going in as defending champions, Royal have in the past few years
enjoyed a wonderful run in the waterpolo arena.
They are out to prove their supremacy. But all are aware of the
Thomian grit.
The boys from Mount Lavinia will be out to regain their lost glory,
which will make this year's encounter all the more interesting.
The present tally stand at 11 wins for S. Thomas' College and 3 wins
for Royal College and 2 draws. Royal College has been on a winning
streak with their wins being in the last three years.
This year's encounter holds the promise of being a close affair, with
Royal College having the edge after having beaten the Thomian's when
they last met at the inter-school's waterpolo tournament.
Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy waterpolo tournament started in the year 1992.
Teams
Royal: Bilal Hassan, Awnee Razack, Rashmika Nishanga, Yahan
Samarajeewa, Shehan Dassanayake, Poorna Kankaninge, Sajeewa
Wickremasinghe, Namith Madampe, Harshaka Nisssanga, Binara Sakalasooriya,
Sanchitha Wickremesuriya, Dushantha Kuruppu, Althaf Yakoob, Amjad Azmy,
Darshana Kuruppu, Dimith Karunaratne.
S. Thomas' College: M.A. Abeysinghe, M.A. Wanigasuriya, D.P.
Wijewardena, D.C. De Silva, B.A.C.A. Perera, S.R. Warnapura, D.A.
Gunawardena, D.A. Alwis, D.C. Jayasundera, S.J. Setunga, N.H.
Paranawithanae.
|
