Royal make it five-in-a-row take Dr. Hayman Trophy 15-11

by Leslie FERNANDO

WATERPOLO: Undisputed waterpolo champions Royal made it five-in-a-row when they retained the Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy, beating S. Thomas' College with the aggregate score of 15 goals to 11. The popular waterpolo encounter was played at the Sugathadasa Stadium Pool.

In the first 'leg' played few days ago, Royal beat S. Thomas' in a very close encounter 8-7. Royal side made a fine comeback after being down 3-6 at the end of the 3rd-quarter, to end the match with score at 8-7 in favour of Royal. The main scorers for Royal were Harshaka Nissanga 3 goals, Poorna Kankanige 2 and Shehan Dasanayake, skipper Yahan Samarajeeva, Musharaf chipped in with one goal each.

For the Thomians, captain Darith de Silva scored 3, Chanuka Perera 2, Norwich Paranawithana and Savith Warnapura scored one each.

In the second 'leg' though the Royalists had a slight edge over the Thomians with one goal lead, all expected the Thomians to fight back. It was not to be and the Royalists got off to a flying start with Althaf Yaqoob drawing 'first blood' scoring the first goal and Shehan Dasanayake following with a thundering back hand shot and yet another goal from him which left the Thomian goalie helpless. The first-quarter ended 3-0 Royalists never giving the Thomians any opportunity to score.

After the first-quarter, the Thomians lost their grip in the game with their defence becoming weak and not being able to keep up with the pace of the game. The Royal attack was so fast that Thomians were outclassed. From the second-quarter onwards S. Thomas' were making so many mistakes last two quarters, the Royalists scored 4 more goals and the Thomians scored an equal number of goals. All in all the Royalists led Yahan Samarajeeva were much fitter and faster in their swimming and ball passing.

The second 'leg' score ended with Royal 7 goals and S. Thomas' 4 goals. For Royal Shehan Dasanayake (2), Althaf yaqoob (2), Wasim Marikkabawa (2), Musharaf Uvais (1) were the scorers.

For the Thomians, captain Darith de Silva played a fine game to score 3 goals while Jaliya Goonethileke scored one.

In the final tally, the Royalists clinched the Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy for the 5th consecutive year with 15 goals to 11.