A thrilling Second Leg of the 78th Bradby Shield encounter which will be worked off at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele on 7 September is expected to show off the fierce rivalry between Trinity College and Royal College in front of a packed Stadium.
Kick off is at 4.15 p.m.
The Bradby Shield is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated school rugby encounters in Sri Lanka, contested annually between Trinity College Kandy and Royal College Colombo.
The rivalry between these two leading educational institutions extends back decades, making the Bradby Shield a hallmark of Sri Lankan rugby culture.
The Bradby Shield was first introduced in 1945 by then-Principal of Royal College, E.L. Bradby, in recognition of the intense and competitive rugby tradition between Royal and Trinity.
The shield was intended to serve as a symbol of this rivalry, offering both schools a tangible trophy to fight for on the rugby field.
The competition is held over two legs, one in Colombo and the other in Kandy, with the school accumulating the highest aggregate score over both matches being declared as the winner.
From its inception, the Bradby Shield has become more than just a rugby match; it has grown into a significant social and sporting event that captures the attention of both alumni and rugby enthusiasts across the country.
Over the years, the Bradby has witnessed some of the finest young rugby talents in Sri Lanka, many of whom have gone on to represent the country at the international level.
The matches are often accompanied by a carnival-like atmosphere, with thousands of spectators filling the stands both at Pallekele Stadium and the Royal College Sports Complex.
Both schools have contributed immensely to the development of rugby in Sri Lanka, with many players using the Bradby Shield as a platform to launch their rugby careers.
The encounter also serves as a showcase of the talent, discipline, and passion that Sri Lankan schools' rugby is known for.
Out of the 77 encounters played so far Trinitians are leading with 39 wins, while Royal took home the trophy 36 times and two encounters ending in draws in 1992 and 2016.
Thisanga Dissanayake is likely to lead the outfit once more in the Bradby encounter as regular skipper, Anuhas Kodituwakku is sidelined with injury.
Meanwhile Royal will be led by Thivain Perera. Trinity comes into the second leg with a single point lead earned at the first leg in Colombo.
Royal (probable) starting XV
Thineth Gamage, Mohamed Naqeeb, Akira Yatawara, Yehan Weerasuriya, Buvanaka Senanayake, Yovun Ethugala, Senuja Ranasinghe, Ayyas Shiyam, Shimak Shafeek, Idris Farook, Amika Samarasinghe, Thivain Perera (captain), Disas Pathirana, Fahad Nazar and Nabeel Yehiya
Trinity (probable) starting XV
Senula Alexander, Senula Alexander, Dinusha Peiris, Ravin Illangaratne, Shayan Shateeshkuar, Minula Yaddalige, Nisith Kumarasinghe, Thisanga Dissanayake (captain), Udan Wijekoon, Shan Althaf, Safraz Usmaan, Minula Yaddalige, Murad Raizan, Udeesha Ratnayake and Yevan Hulangamuwa
Referee
Brayden Hudson (Australia)
Manoj Jaytissa Chief Guest
The 1985 Trinity College Hooker and skipper, Manoj Jayastissa will be the chief guest at this Bradby Shield encounter.
Manoj who won his rugby colors in 83 was re-awarded in 84 and 85, he has a unique record as skipper for the Lions, playing 44 games in trout for 4 years in the Under 19 outfit. He was never dropped from the side. His team too got some outstanding players such as his deputy skipper, Ikram Odayah a double Lion, Rugby and youngest Boxing Lion in Trinity history at the age of 14 years plus.
Further the outfit had a triple Lion Thushara Weerasuriya (Cricket, Rugby and Athletics) and Pradeep Rodrigopille (Lion for Basketball).
Another feature of this outfit was that 1985 side produced skippers of 1986 (Senani Gunaratne), 1987 (Tyrelle Rajapakse), 1988 (Bindu Dandeniya).
Manoj also coached his alma mater and later on was the Team Manager of the first XV outfit for a number of years on a volunteer basis.
In 1985 Bradby, Trinity outclassed Royal 18/9 at Bogambara but were edged out in the second leg at Longdon Place 3/4 but won the shield on aggregate in 1985. The outfit was coached by the late Alex Lazarus who was on his debut season with the first XV outfit at Trinity College.
(MS)