Trinity roar leaves Royal stunned at Pallekele
Trinity, scored from six tries and two conversions for a total of 34 points, while Royal could only manage four penalties, ending the match with a disappointing 12 points. Despite some early pressure, Trinity’s superior execution and clinical finishing overshadowed Royal’s efforts, as they failed to break the tryline.
After leading 19-9 at halftime, Trinity’s powerful forwards and swift backs dominated the second half to leave their traditional rivals tryless and stunned.
The match began with an early setback for Trinity when Akash Fernando was shown a yellow card for mitigation in the fifth minute, reducing the home side to 14 men. However, it was Trinity who struck first. Co vice-captain and flanker Nisith Kumarasinghe made the breakthrough, diving under the posts for their opening try after a Royal handling error. Flyhalf Shan Althaf made no mistake with the conversion, giving Trinity a 7-0 lead in the 13th minute.
Soon after, prop Achintha Jayasena bulldozed his way for an unconverted try, extending Trinity’s lead to 12-0 by the 19th minute. Royal struggled to find their rhythm but managed to earn penalties. Their reliable flyhalf Idris Farouk slotted over his first penalty in the 22nd minute to cut the deficit to 3-12.
But Trinity replied swiftly. Diminutive scrumhalf Udan Wijekoon danced his way to score their third try in the 27th minute, with Althaf’s conversion stretching the lead to 19-3.
Royal’s only reply came through more penalties. Farouk added two more penalty kicks in the 29th and 34th minutes to reduce the gap to 9-19 at halftime.
The second half began with Farouk booting a brilliant 50-metre penalty in the 40th minute, bringing the scoreline to 12-19 and giving Royal some hope. But Trinity remained calm under pressure. Despite missing a penalty in the 47th minute, they launched waves of attack.
In the 58th minute, winger Minula Yaddehige — one of the top try scorers of the tournament — touched down in the right corner, scoring his ninth try of the season. Though the conversion was missed, Trinity increased their lead to 24-12.
Another yellow card to Trinity in the 59th minute temporarily reduced them to 14 players, but it didn’t slow them down. From a lineout and driving maul, flanker Nisith Kumarasinghe scored his second try of the match in the 68th minute, taking the tally to 29-12.
As Royal’s defence crumbled, winger Minula Yaddehige sealed the game with his 10th try of the season in the 74th minute, once again in the right flank. The conversion went astray, but the scoreline read 34-12.
When the final whistle blew, it was a commanding victory for the Kandy Lions, who not only remained unbeaten but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Trinity’s forwards laid the platform while their backs exploited gaps with speed and precision. Nisith Kumarasinghe was outstanding with two tries, and Minula Yaddehige continued his red-hot form. Royal, despite their opportunities, failed to cross the Trinity tryline even once, relying only on the boot of Idris Farouk for their points.