The much-awaited Annual Hockey Big Match between Trinity College, Kandy, and Royal College, Colombo, took place on 28th September 2025 at the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation’s Astro Turf, Colombo 07. After a thrilling game where both teams attacked fiercely against a rock-solid defence, the Trinity stickers edged out Royal as 01 – 00 to defend the trophy for yet another year.
The blockbuster event in the school hockey calendar unfolded for the 19th time, and it is being played for the coveted J. C. A. Corea Challenge Cup. The defending champions, Trinity College, came into the game with a positive mindset after clinching the bronze medal at the All-Island Under 20 Hockey Championship, and by winning the ESU Blue & Gold Hockey 7s Tournaments. On the other hand, the Royalists were also in fine form after being crowned the Runners-Up in the Western Province Schools Hockey Tournament, and after their success in the prestigious Orville Abeynaike Memorial Trophy against St Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.
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Trinity attacked early in the game through Marshook, but the Royal goalkeeper made a brilliant save with his blocker. Then Trinity conceded an early penalty corner, giving the Royalists a chance to seize the momentum, but the Trinity defence stood firm. (1st Quarter TC 00 – 00 RC)
There was a head-to-head clash in the second quarter to gain the lead in the game. All of a sudden, the Vice Captain of the Sri Lanka Under 18 side, M. R. M. Arkam Rifaz of Trinity College, once again proved his class by launching a solo attack from the left corner and netting a crucial goal to get the lead in the game. (2nd Quarter TC 01 – 00 RC)
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Trinity had an early scoring opportunity in the 3rd Quarter, but Royal managed to defend well to prevent it and to keep the game within touching distance. Later in the quarter, both sides had a couple of good opportunities but failed to give the finishing touches. (3rd Quarter TC 01 – 00 RC)
The initial phase of the 4th Quarter saw an intense game as Royal came into the scoring area and made a shot on target with a reverse hit. As usual, the Trinity goalkeeper made an excellent save with his left foot to secure the lead. Later, the goalscorer Arkam made an excellent break, while the Royal defence was unorganised. However, unfortunately, he failed to get the right contact with the ball while he was attacking, which eventually prevented a sure scoring opportunity.
The game headed towards an anticlimax as Royal College received a penalty corner during the final seconds of the game. Though the Royal player managed to hit through the defence, the shot missed the goal by a whisker, giving the Hill Country Lions the opportunity to retain the trophy. The encounter was a testament to the Trinitians’ skill, determination, and teamwork as they lifted the J. C. A. Corea Memorial Cup after an exhilarating contest.
The only goal of the game was scored by M. R. M. Arkam, who once again proved his class with his unwavering and dynamic performance throughout the match. Even in the previous edition, he managed to score a couple of goals and earned the ‘Best Attacking Player’ award.
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Meanwhile, Royal College managed to outclass the Trinitians with a 04 – 01 score margin at the Under 16 encounter, which was played for the Paul Jeyarajah trophy.
Individual Awards
Under 16
Best Goalkeeper (U16) – Hirun Lindula (RC)
Best Player (U16) – Savin Karunasiri (RC)
Under 20
Best Goalkeeper (U16) – Stefan Anthonypillei (RC)
Best Player (U16) – Tevin Liyanage (TC)
The victorious Trinity College’s under 20 team
Yogaraja Thakshilan, Kirubashan Rajamahendran (VC), Mohommad Arkam, Gogulnath Balasubramaniam, Thenuk Ekanayake, Tevin Liyanage, Trehan Sinnen, Thejana Gamage, Sadew Subasinghe, Menod Koralegedara, Dulitha Karunarathna, Lakshan Jayawardhane, Dushen Gunawardhane, Mathisha Gamage, Menul Dissanayake, Minuka Bandara, Rayyan Marzookdeen, Asama Ranwala, Tharusha Randive, Bhawantha Hasaranga, Head Coach – Mr Jawfardeen Rifas, Master-in-Charge of Hockey – Mr Zarook Zahran
The victorious Royal College’s under 16 team
