Royal players appalling behavior almost messed up the prestigious Bradby Royal players behaved in an appalling manner when Trinity performed the Haka. By Brian Thomas - The Island News paper, June 17th 2013. It was only two weeks ago Royal cried foul and walked out of their league game against Isipathana College citing physical contact to their playing 15 with an intentional bodily harm inflicted by the Havelock town boys. The green jerseys were tagged as goons of Schools Rugby. Two weeks later Royal sports their prestigious Jersey at the 2nd leg of the Bradby and in their home territory behave worse than common hooligans when Trinity rightly performed the Haka well within their territory before the start of the game. It was a shame for the school that not only has a rich tradition but loudly echoes these words "Learnt of books and learnt of men and leant to play the game". Royal College players’ behavior and the way they invaded the Trinity territory before start of play is something this scribe has never seen anywhere in the World. Well done the Royal 15 you and your bench players have raised the ugly head of goons at the much looked forward to event the "Bradby" that attracts thousands of fans from Sri Lanka and overseas including the many non Royalist and Trinitian’s who watch the game on TV. I find it difficult to believe that Royal players behaved in an appalling manner in the presence of His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka who came to witness the game despite his very busy schedule. Bradby is well known for its traditions and we don’t need 15 lads pepped up by their administrators to spoil the great event by bringing the event to such low levels. I wonder what Michael, the Chief Guest for the second leg would have thought of the current players and their administrators, and of the school he proudly represented as Captain in the early 70’s. Trinity deserved to win the Bradby, credit must be given to Royal for a sterling performance in the second leg. They looked mediocre in the latter half of the first leg, but made amends here in Colombo. Royal despite having eighty percent possession crossed the Lions line only once, this proves Trinity’s defence was excellent. You don’t need a rocket scientist to state that Trinity lacked possession but were guilty of squandering limited opportunities that came their way. Butter fingers call it what you may but Trinity will have to address this problem which caused them lots of concern during this season. Royal used their heavy pack, and spread the ball to give their three quarters an opportunity in the second leg but the Reid Avenue three quarter line lacked skill levels and the speed to head towards the goal line. Skipper Rimzi Jamaldeen and his team played clean Rugby but they will never be remembered as gentleman of the game. They lacked the Bradby sprit sad to state. Credit must be given to Skipper Rimzi Jamaldeen who manned the last line of defence for Royal along with his bulky pack leader Shuay Muthalif who played an outstanding game. Trinity was busy defending most of the time hence the game lost a bit of its glamour. We missed the open Rugby that the first leg dished out. The 69th Bradby is history. Congratulations to Trinity for winning the prestigious trophy three times on the trot, and to the boys from Reid Avenue well played and hopefully all those players who will appear for Royal next year remember your alma mater, and respect your opposition by respecting your school song "Learn to Play the Game"
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:12:51 +0000
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