Royal retain Hayman Trophy with commanding win
Royal College produced a superb all-round performance to outclass S. Thomas’ College and reclaim the prestigious 32nd Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy with a commanding aggregate victory of 38-19, following a 20-10 win in the second leg held at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex last night.
Led by Anuga Handunpathirana, the Royal senior water polo team displayed remarkable teamwork, and scoring consistency across all four quarters to seal their third consecutive Hayman Trophy triumph, after victories in 2023 and 2024. Royal took early command with a 6-3 lead in the first quarter, showing sharp coordination in attack and strong defensive organisation. They extended their advantage in the second quarter (2-1) and maintained the momentum through a competitive third quarter (6-5).
By the end of the third quarter, Royal were ahead 14-9, with several well-timed long-range shots and quick counterattacks. Perera’s late strike at the end of the third quarter further strengthened their control.
The Thomians struggled to hold back the Royal onslaught in the final quarter as Dinal Wellapili found the net in the opening minute. Soon after, Bihandu Katugampola, completing a fine hat-trick, scored with a delicate lob over the defenders to make it 16-9. A perfectly disguised effort by Wellapili brought the tally to 17-9, before Ramiru Aluthge struck twice in succession, pushing the score to 19-9. Aluthge’s sharp finishing and precision passing under pressure left the Thomian defence helpless.
The record-breaking 20th goal, also by Royal, marked the highest aggregate in Hayman Trophy history, with fans chanting “one more goal!” around the pool as the scoreboard lit up. Before the final whistle, Athesha Sentitcumaran scored a consolation goal for S. Thomas’, ending the match at 20-10.
Royal also won the Under-13 trophy, while S. Thomas’ claimed the Under-15 Mahinda Liyanage Challenge Trophy. Royal, however, completed the night with overall glory by retaining the senior Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy. With this triumph, Royal have now won 11 editions of the Hayman Trophy series, with 17 wins for S. Thomas’ and four draws in the 32-year history of this famous rivalry.
Royal’s Lithum Karunasena, who scored five goals in the first leg and eight in the second, totaling 13 goals across both legs, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Year. He also received a scholarship worth Rs. 700,000 from ANC Education for his exceptional performance.