Royal takes first leg lead in Hayman encounter

• 
• 

Details

Category: waterpolo

Published on Tuesday, 25 October 2011 15:22

Written by Rhaya Page

Hits: 1313

The much awaited first leg of the 20th Dr. R L Hayman, kicked off under grey skies with the boys of St. Thomas’ College and Royal College both proving equal to the task. The tournament commenced with the Under 15 junior match, with the Thomians leading in the first quarter. Lightning and heavy showers, however saw play suspended at the end of the turn quarter where the game had turned into a Royal lead as the scores read 3-4 in favor of Royal. After a 30 minute wait, the fourth quarter commenced in the midst of rain where Royal held onto their score which in turn helped them win the under 15 match.

After long drawn out negotiations over the inclement weather conditions and possibility of play, the much awaited Under 19 match kicked off. Even in the midst of a heavy downpour, the supporters of these two teams showed much enthusiasm, which undoubtedly helped the boys throughout the match.

The first quarter commenced and the Thomians had the ball first. It was hard for both teams to make their mark as they were playing to their strengths. The Royalist’s were trying desperately to attack but the Thomians cut them off with their defense. The Thomians, then got the upper-hand with the ball in hand and went on attack to make their first goal. But while shooting they missed the goal, which the Royal skipper Harshaka Nissanga immediately capitalized on to score the first goal for Royal. However, the Thomians were adamant to even out the score and fought furiously but missed another goal opportunity. The Royalist’s came on to the attack but Captain and goalie, Arjun De Alwis of the blue/blacks stole the ball & dismissed Royals chances of scoring. The Thomians once again tried their luck at evening the score but failed and missed their goal yet again. While the Royalists put out their best effort to attack, the Thomians kept increasing the pressure putting up a solid defense. The first quarter came to a close with De Alwis saving a goal bringing the score to 1-0 in favor of the Royalists.

At the beginning of the second quarter, the Royalists snatched the ball first and were on the attack hoping to score a goal but was not successful. The Royal team then made a swift comeback and Akila Weerasinghe wasted no time in scoring a goal for Royal. Royal goalie, Kanishka Heenkanda made a good save contributing to his team's success. The Royalists then stepped up their game and Wassim Marrikabawa scored a goal giving his team a clear lead. However within the final few minutes of the second quarter, Devshan De Mel scored the first goal for theThomians bringing the score to 3-1.

The downpour continued to increase, making everything hazy but yet the boys pressed on and the match resumed to the third quarter. The referee called for a penalty and oddly enough called off the penalty,confusing the boys and crowds alike. Marrika Bawa impressively scored another for the Royalists,helping them to increase their lead further. The Thomains then looked for their chance to score but Heenkanda made a good save and suppressed their chances. Visal Poornaka also helped Royal keep their lead by scoring for his team. The Thomians were on the attack again but missed their chances of scoring. Marrika Bawa then tried to score for the Royalists and was successful but his goal wasn’t counted as it was in the two metre zone. This brought the score to 5-1 with the Royalists at a steady lead.

The fourth and final quarter started with the Royalists at the helm with their possession over the ball. It was then that the Thomians were able to make their comeback with Vice Captain Dilan Goonerwardene helping them score their second goal. This energized the Thomians and they were looking to score again but missed out. Vice Captain of the Royalists, Shan Lakshitha then took the moment away from the Thomians to score a goal for the Royalists. The Royalists obstinate to not let their opposition score kept up a good defense and Heenkenda saw to this as he blocked a goal leaving the Thomains with no chance. However in a penalty shot, Thomian Vice Captain Goonerwardene came through for his team by scoring a goal. It was counting down to the last few and final minutes of the quarter and the Royalists tried to increase their lead but missed their chances. The whistle blew and the Royal supporters started their cry of cheers as the Royalists took the win with the overall score of 6-3.

The conclusion of this first leg does keep us in suspense for the next leg of the match which is to take place this Saturday. Will the Royalists continue their win or will the Thomians catch up and turn the tables in their favour? Only this Saturday will tell.

Stay logged into ThePapare for further updates

 

• < Prev
• Next >