Carrying a legacy of 110 years, the Lions from the hill capital; Trinity College will charge into the 2016 School Rugby Season with high expectations to win back the lost silverware.
Brief history
Trinity College have been frontrunners in the rugby arena of the country taking up the sport in 1906. The first official rugby encounter was played against Kingswood College that year and since then, rugby has been commonplace in the institution up on the hills. Trinity travelled to Colombo in 1920 to play against Royal College and this encounter continues to date after a shield was presented in 1945 by the then Royal principal and is currently known as the Bradby Shield encounter.
Last Season
The last season was considerably a poor one in comparison to the last four years as the Bradby Shield left the hill capital and arrived in Colombo. A depleting 49-0 loss in the second leg of the Bradby shield saw Trinity lose out their prized possession but despite losing out to Isipathana, Royal and St. Peter’s, the Lions were able to finish third in the league table. Isuru Rangala’s 2015 team were unable to move beyond the semifinal stage of the knockouts as they lost out to Isipathana. Regardless of the achievements last season, it was a positive sign to see the younger players stepping up their games.
This Season
Trinity didn’t have the fancy start they expected in the sevens format but had to be satisfied with a semifinal finish. However the under 18 team stepped up to finish as runner’s up for the first time in history losing out to Science. This year’s team comprises of six colorsman alongside a bunch of individuals who will be wearing the red, gold and blue colors for the first time.
Rahul Karunathilake at the helm
Fourth year player and colorsman Rahul Karunathilake takes control of the Lions this season. Rahul, who has been a dominant second row player, was also a part of the Under 20 national contingent that toured the ASIAD last year. The most senior individual in the team, Rahul will be looking to give leadership to his fresh set of forwards and look at controlling the game from the forefront.
Players to watch
Thushila Perera makes his way back to the team after being ruled out last season due to injury. He will be Trinity’s missing piece in the puzzle this season and with him in control in the middle, there comes a sense of responsibility within the team. He would possess Trinity’s keys to success and will look to take finish his final season successfully.
Last year’s blind side flanker Rukshan Dhammapala will continue in his position this season as well alongside Anjana Bandara; the pair will power the two ends of the Trinity third-row. Rishane Madena, who takes his spot at #8 will add in the x factor for the forwards, will aid the duo.
The Lions will rely on their speedsters Geshan Pethiyagoda and newcomer Amit Kulatunga for the important points while Avishka Shiek will be their newest additive in the centers. Pethiyagoda who is known for his pace was a destructive wing three quarter last season in the red, gold, blue jersey and he will look to repeat his heroics this time as well.
Schools rugby to add more spice to the March Madness
Third year player Sanushka Abeywickrema will look to take on a responsible role this season at fullback where his vigilance and reaction capabilities will be on test when he starts in the #15 jersey. With his kicking abilities, he would Trinity’s choice for points after Thushila Perera.
Irishman Eric Miller in for second term
The former Irish lock forward Eric Miller will serve a second term as coach for Lions. It was a challenge for Miller to get accustomed to the conditions and players abruptly last season but with him having a clear understanding on the players, lot will be expected this year. Trinity College alumni Sean Wijesinghe and Saliya Kumara will act as consultants for the team this season.
Trinity’s 1st XV for 2016 led by Rahul Karunathilake will be looking to reinstate the bygone glory and take them beyond the expectations while looking at bringing back the coveted Bradby shield to the hill capital.
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