Present and Old Boys share Daniel Edirisinghe Trophy

The 5th Daniel Edirisinghe Annual Hockey encounter played between Present and Past students of S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia took place at the Thomian Grounds last Tuesday. As the game ended in a 1-1 draw the two teams were adjudged joint winners for 2017.

Thomian Present Boys won the trophy on three occasions while last year the Old Boys emerged winners. The game got off on a low note as both teams took time to settle and once they got the momentum a keenly contested game was witnessed. The young Thomians made some terrific invasions to the Old Boys ‘D’ area but the oldies made use of their experience to clear them back.

The Old Thomians took control of the game for some time in the first half but lack of speed prevented them from scoring. Present Thomians adopting a run and pass game making their seniors feel a bit tired to take the advantage in sounding the board. But their effort was spoilt by the rock solid Old Boys defence line.

Just two minutes away from the short whistle Ashwin Ellepola put the Present Boys in front by scoring a goal off a short corner. Ellepola found a gap and made a strong drive giving no time for the Old Boys custodian to move. The Present Thomians led 1-0 in the half time.

In the second half the game swung from side to side as both sides making the use of the forwards in attack. The senior Thomians missed two easy chances of scoring in the 12th and 22nd minutes but failed to put finishing touches at the vital stages due to lack of stamina and speed. Old Thomians were awarded a penalty in the 29th minute of the second half and their No. 8 Pujitha Walpitagama took the golden opportunity in both hands

to make the score read 1-1. The long whistle was blown with the score standing 1-1. Given an extra time of five minutes both sides failed to score and the Daniel Edirisinghe Trophy will be shared for the first time in 2017.

H.D. Croose and Kavisha De Silva controlled the game. – Lakshman Ranasinghe; Pic Anuradha Bandara