Royal fancied to beat S. Thomas' again

by Leslie FERNANDO

WATERPOLO: The Thomians and the Royalists have struggled for supremacy in the field of sports, be it in the water or on land for over a century the battle has been continuing.

The Dr. R.L. Hayman Waterpolo Trophy Tournament scheduled to be played on Monday, September 28 the 'First leg' and 2nd October the 'Second leg' at the Sugathadasa Stadium Pool is an event that brings much enthusiasm to present and past students of both schools.

This encounter is not just a match, but an encounter that portrays the remarkable traditions shared and maintained by both schools over the years.

The Public Schools waterpolo Tournament has also not been held so far. The question asked by several waterpolo fans is whether the game of waterpolo has been 'killed' by both organisations - SLASU and SLSASA, two main bodies in charge of aquatic sports.

Looking at the results during the season , the up-coming 18th annual Royal-Thomian Waterpolo encounter should be a well contested one.

Of the 17 encounters played so far the Thomians have won 11 and Royalists have won 4 while 2 games were drawn. Royal College has won the contest in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 will go feat out to keep the winning streak going. S. Thomas' will go all out to regain the lost pride and anything is possible. It is likely to be a touch-and-go affair.

Like last year two officials from Singapore will be in charge of the whistle.

The under-15 Tournament played for Mahinda Liyanage Trophy, too, will take place on the same two days.

Two national players Yahan Samarajeewa (Royal College) and Darith de Silva (S. Thomas' College) will captain their respective schools.

Last year, Royal retained the trophy for the fourth time with a victory margin of 21 goals to 12. 'First Leg' Royal won 10 goals to 4 and in the 'Second leg' 11-8. Incidentally this is the highest aggregate of goals recorded in the series started in 1992.

Royal College retained the Mahinda Liyanage Trophy when they outclassed the Thomians in the under-15 tournament.

'First leg' score 11-2 and second leg 16-5 in favour of Royal.