Spirited Trinity regain De Saram Shield with grand win

Trinity College have cleared their first hurdle in their attempt to regain the 2022 Inter-Schools Under-20 ‘A’ Division League Tournament. Last week they produced a splendid performance to beat S. Thomas’ College 20-13 on their home grounds at Pallekele in Kandy.

Their success also had a great amount of significance as they regained the Canon R. S. De Saram Shield after having lost to the same opponents during the 2021 fixture in Colombo three months ago. This was a match where the Trinity three quarters made their presence felt as both their tries came following some sweeping moves from the back division with Skipper and dashing centre three quarter Lithmal Moragoda leading from the front.

The Thomians, of course, rallied around through their more dynamic set of forwards to take the initiative but they just could not keep the momentum until the end.

Action from the match between St. Joseph’s and Kingswood. (Pix by Hirantha Gunathilaka)

Royal vs St. Anthony’s

Defending three-time champions Royal College launched their defence for the title with a morale boosting 22-12 victory over St. Anthony’s College in their opening fixture of the tournament at the Royal Sports Complex in Reid Avenue.

Even then, Royal really cannot be fully satisfied with this performance despite scoring four tries as they conceded too many penalties to their opponents, which would have been more costly against any other top team.

But this time, Royal managed to get away despite several mistakes and they will also need to look for a reliable place-kicker after having tried out with a couple of players unsuccessfully.

The Antonians, of course, will not be too disappointed with the outcome as they crossed the Royal line twice but will need to sort out their fitness level and injury concerns.

St. Joseph’s vs Kingswood

St. Joseph’s College recorded probably the most impressive victory during the opening week of the tournament as they outplayed Kingswood College 34-3 in their match played at Havelock Park.

The Josephians, looking for their maiden ‘A’ Division league title were able to make a statement and signal a clear warning to the rest of their opponents by scoring as many as six tries during a dazzling performance. They consistently attacked the opposition through their speedy set of three quarters and scored three tries during each half while more importantly keeping their goal line intact.

St. Peter’s vs Dharmaraja

St. Peter’s College had a shaky start to the new season as they were stretched to a great extent before pulling off a 27-12 win over Dharmaraja College in their opening match played at Bambalapitiya.

The former league champions came under tremendous pressure, and they were severely tested by the opposition as the scores were level 12-12 at half time. But during a superb second half rally the home side were able to turn things around in their favour while scoring three tries to end up with a bonus point as well.

Isipathana vs Science College

Former champions Isipathana College began the new Inter-Schools rugby season with an 18-9 victory over Science College in their opening match played at Havelock Park.

Isipathana certainly dominated the game despite a shaky start where they conceded a couple of early penalties to the opposition before going into half time with a slender 13-6 advantage.

However, Isipathana launched a fresh assault on their rivals in the second half to add another try to their tally and kept their goal line uncrossed before completing a satisfying victory in the end.

Wesley vs Vidyartha

Wesley College produced a spectacular first half performance to beat Vidyartha College 38-7 in their opening match of the season played at Longden Place. The Wesleyites provided a glimpse of what will be on store during the next few matches of the tournament as they ran in four superb tries to seal the contest inside the first 30 minutes of play.