Signed, sealed and delivery on its way
The plaque at the entrance to the Peradeniya University Administration building says; “More open than usual”. This does not in any way refer to the 74th Bradby Shield. Having won the opening joust 39-7 with a very convincing all round display, Royal has effectively gift-wrapped the Shield for acceptance after the second leg at Pallekele next Saturday.
The Sunday Times spoke to a couple of ‘Greats’ from these two institutions, as well as to a few national rugby players from other institutions, to get their views on the first leg and their predictions for the second.
Mike de Alwis (Trinity College 1956-58, Sri Lanka 1960-72).
He was the hooker in David Franke’s memorable team of 1956. He captained the Sri Lanka team in 1967, and ended his 12-year stint in the National side because of injury.
“The Royal forwards are much heavier. This being the case it is difficult to get possession with the modern rules. Trinity did not have a big forward. It is difficult to win without that commodity.
“The place-kicking was very poor. Some basics were not observed. Starting a move from behind the goal-line was just not on. That cost Trinity a try.
“Trinity’s match preparations were obviously thrown into disarray by the coach’s absence for about a week. Psyching them up was not easy. On the other hand Royal was well prepared for it.
“The rugby dished out was not of a high standard. It was all over the place. Winger Vishwa Ranaraja had a good game. He seems to have a good future. The scrum half and the first centre also impressed. The second leg will be different, though I can’t see Trinity winning the Bradby.”
Ajith Abeyratne (Trinity College 1965-68, captained the unbeaten side in 1967 but lost the Bradby in 1968 in his second year as captain. Led the schools’ side in 1967, Represented Sri Lanka from 1968-71. He coached the Sri Lanka team from 1985-88. Sri Lanka entered the Bowl final at the 1986-87 Hong Kong 7s during his tenure)
Says Abeyratne (Trinity Lion 1968): “Trinity could not match the physicality that Royal brought to the game. Royal were so superior that they controlled the game. Trinity have to ‘up’ their fitness levels. Royal played at the same pace for 70 minutes without running out of gas. Royal’s aerobic fitness was superior. The second leg could be different if Trinity can improve on these and bring something to the plate.
“The Royalists have no grey areas. Both forwards and backs are equally sound. If, by chance, one unit lets them down, they smartly switch to the other. Trinity has to get their hands on the ball and keep it. Their lines out were better than in the earlier games. There were a few unforced errors in contact.”
The Royal point of view was spelt out by the captain of the 1978 side, Rohantha Peiris. His team won the shield after having been held to a draw in the opener. A centre cum fly half for Sri Lanka from 1981 to 1985, he speaks with ease and authority.
“Trinity did not play to potential. That is the bottom line. They are a good side and Royal will not take them lightly. If they can change their pattern of play in these two weeks, this could be anybody’s game.
“Royal play to potential. There has been a great improvement into their rugby. There handling is really good. The team had a tour of New Zealand after their winning effort last year. That experience was very valuable. The team starts off with Plan A and if that is not working they switch to Plan B. The transition is seamless. Lewke, the coach, has done a wonderful job.
“The Royalists are equally adept in attack and defence. They don’t rely solely on the rolling maul. They run the ball, and, importantly the players have the freedom to act on their instincts.
“Trinity will have home advantage and that will be useful in reducing the margin.”