Several results in one game – a unique ending
Trinity win, but the last minute Royal penalty changed the complexion of the game
In a nail- biting finish Trinity came back fighting to hold Royal to an 18 all draw in the dying seconds of the game, in the second leg of the 72nd Bradby Shield rugby encounter at the Pallekelle Stadium in Kandy yesterday.
With this draw Trinity had the claim to take the Bradby Shield as Royal won the first leg at 22-17 in Colombo a fortnight ago and they needed to down Trinity by over five points, in the aggregate of the two matches, which they failed. However Royal retains the Bradby shield by virtue of the fact that they had won the shield during the last three years.
However according Trinity Collage sources, the shield will be shared. Royal will hold the shield in the first six months before handing it to Trinity for the next six months.
The conversion of the try which gave Royal the final 18 points to tie the game was converted Askey. But before that a terrific tussle reigned with both sides putting on terrific performances.
Royal were in the attack in the dying moments and Trinity did their best to keep the marauding Royalists at bay. All in all it was a terrific encounter, one that will go down in the annals of this encounter as magnificent.
Royal opened scoring in the tenth minute when Ovin Askey put over a penalty. Royal had a major share of the possession and Trinity did their best to curtail them. Royal scored an unconverted try next through Harith Lokugamage and shot into the lead. Then began Trinity’s fight back through an unconverted try by S. K. Sangasinghe to make it: Trinity 5, Royal 10 at the breather.
On resumption Trinity scored a penalty to take their tally to 8 and Royal’s points remained at 10.
Trinity led for the first time through a penalty by Shahid Deen at 11-10 much to the delight of the crowd. Trinity scored another try through Shahid Deen converted by Wijesuriya to make it 18-10 in favour of Royal.
Then came the final minute and after a terrific struggle Royal made in 18 all, through the penalty converted by Askey.
Referee: Anura Rankothge.