The Ultimate Showdown

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Category: waterpolo

Published on Saturday, 22 October 2011 15:01

Written by Rhaya Page

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Undoubtedly the most anticipated match in the water polo season, where two renowned teams will compete to win the Dr. R L Hayman cup. It’s another Battle of the Blues- this time in the water!

The annual Dr. R L Hayman encounter, better knows as the “Haymans”, is one of the biggest tournaments between Royal College and S.Thomas’ College. This year's event however trumps all its previous years, as it is their 20th encounter which promises to be a hard fought battle.

Looking at the history of the tournament, the Thomians have a clear edge. Since the inception in 1992 they’ve had a winning streak till 2004. In 2005, Royal turned the tables and outdid their rivals for the next four years in winning this trophy. The Thomians then rid the shackles of their “under dogs” status and won last year beating Royal 7-6 in the first leg 8-7 in the second.

ThePapare spoke to both teams a few days before they meet at the first leg of this encounter. The Royal team seems to be in high spirits as they won the under 19 All Island Inter school meet beating Ananda College by 4 -2. The key players of that tournament who are expected to shine at Haymans are Wassim Marikkabawa who scored two goals and vice captain Shan Lakshitha who scored the goal that led their team to that victory. Musharraf Uwais is another promising player to look out for in the Royal front. These players give you just glimpse of what the boys from Reid Avenue are known for and that is their strong “attack”.

Leading the Royalists this year is Captain Harshaka Nissanga, who stated that his team is extremely experienced and that they know each other in-and-out as they have played together for the past three years. Aloka Prelis serves as the coach for the Royalists.

The reigning champions prove to not disappoint as well. Even though the Seniors of St. Thomas’ did not make it into this year’s finals, their junior team won the under 15 category in the All Island Inter school event. Like the Royalists, the team is experienced and the Thomians also boasts that their first seven are coloursmen. They also have a few freshers in the team, as they would be missing their previous captain Chanuka Perera who led them to victory last year. For the Thomians, Captain Arjun De Alwis, vice captain Dilan Goonewardene, Devshan De Mel and Shehan Setunga are promising players that should be noted at the encounter. In contrast to Royal’s strong attack, the boys from Mt. Lavinia are known for their defense, which plays to their forte. Coaching the junior team is MonarlWanigersooriya and the seniors will be coached by Roshaan Ranasinghe.

Clearly these two teams are pumped up and ready to give it their all and make their alma maters’ proud.

Will the Thomians remain champs? Or would the Royalists make an exciting come back? So make your way to the Police Sports Club swimming pool on Monday, the 24th of October at 3pm to witness the first leg of this ultimate showdown.

Watch the pre-match interviews

Royal College - Harshaka Nissanga (c), Shan Lakshitha (vc)

S. Thomas' College - Arjun de Alwis (c), Dilan Gunawardene (vc),

Roshan Ranasinghe (Coach)

The match will be shown live on www.thepapare.com

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