It was a sunny afternoon in the central highlands as Trinity Lions were gearing up to face their first challenge of the season against Dharmaraja College.
The buildup to this encounter was intense and the passionate Kandy rugby fraternity was expecting it to be a nail-bitter. Little Halique lead the Trinity team to the field of Pallakale which was surrounded by a sea of Rajan supporters and a proportion of Trinitians. Certainly, the Dharmraja camp was expecting to record their first ever win over Trinity in history.
Apparently this Rajans team is one of the best they have ever produced and consists of a number of players from the team which won the U-18 All Island 10’s tournament couple of years back. This leaves them as one of the front runners for the league title this year. So the game began giving butterflies in the stomach for many a spectator.
Early on Trinity showed bits of class by executing of some set moves with the likes of Ratwatte , Aluwihare and company. Their plans were fruitful and had the finishing touches. Trinity took the early honours but no sooner, Dharmaraja replied in spectacular fashion as their wing three quarter touched down twice in the left corner. To add the icing, the full back put over some difficult conversions from the corner flag. At lemons Dharmaraja had taken the upper hand 22-17.
Second half kicked off with momentum on the Rajans’ side. They scored once more to stretch their lead to 27-17. Dharmaraja weren’t deprived of bits and pieces of individual brilliance. Ranjans backs displayed lot of flair as they worked the ball left, right and center. Trinitians were feeling the pressure. Going into the 3rd quarter they were stuck inside the Rajans 22, smelling the line yet unable to go over. They attacked wave after wave but the Rajans defense was remarkably solid. Finally, the powerful center Girihagama burst through to score. Rajans replied soon in the form of their burly Number 8 who sliced through the Trinity defense to score under the post. So they were still holding to the lead. Then as the final 10 minutes dawned Trinitians held their nerve. The Lions unit was a picture of temperament. They played up to their motto “ Respice Finem” ( Look to the end). While in the stands, pressure was mounting as both camps were sensing a cliffhanger. They were behind by 34-29. At the final minute, Trinity Wing three quarter went over on the right of center to make it all even- stevens. Trinitians were relieved even though Ratwatte had the difficult job to make the conversion. He failed but Lions were saved from humiliation.
History could have been re-written on Sunday. Dharmaraja was so close yet so far. All the hype and excitement prior to the match actually did some justice to the final score line which read 34-34. Dharmaraja were also hunting for some publicity on social media as they wanted to be known as “Lions” as well. On the other hand Trinity is celebrating the centenary year of their coveted “Trinity Lion” award. This left a lot more to earn for Dharmjaraja and lot at stake for Trinity.
Now after everything is done and dusted we have come across another allegation.
Daily Mirror 18/3/2013 published;
“Before the commencement of the match both teams lodged their written protest to the Match Commissioner W.D.O. Wijewansa alleging that their opponents were fielding ineligible players who had not obtained the written consent from their respective previous schools. On checking Mr. Wijewansa found that the name of the player mentioned by Dharmaraja College was not in the team list of Trinity College. On the other hand the player alleged by Trinity College played for Dhamaraja College as a substitute in the second half. If this allegation is proved, the Rajans could be subject to an inquiry which will be a serious one.”
Are we seeing the ugly side of what happened in the league last year? Trinitians were unfortunately and rather unfairly treated last year for a crime committed by Vidyartha. The league title was revoked since Vidyartha fielded an overage player and ultimately Isipathana was considered as the league champions. Now it seems like the school authorities have not learnt a lesson. It’s sad that some schools do not adhere to the guidelines and regulations set by the SLSRFU. If Dharmaraja is found guilty it’ll lead to a legal confrontation which is completely unnecessary.
However, Rajans have improved their game and to the relief of many, their discipline. The hooliganism they displayed after the past number of encounters with Trinity left many schools wary of them. Sadly the radical and presumptuous behavior in rugby has not been limited to the new comers to A division only. From the incident which occurred after the Royal-Science match it appears that arrogance is spreading everywhere. It’s high time for the spectators to treat these rugby games as mere sport with results which could go either way. Winning and losing should be treated as two sides of the coin. For instance, The Ashes which has been played for centuries has never been interrupted with the misbehavior of crowds. Neither an India-Pakistan encounter which is boosted with patriotism. Rivalry should only be on the field not beyond. If the crowds and school authorities understand the gravity of their roles, this year’s league will no doubt be a wonderful spectacle.
