Kandy’s Trinity College emerged victorious in the highly anticipated first leg of the 78th Bradby Shield, narrowly defeating Colombo’s Royal College by a single point, 17-16. The match, held in front of a packed crowd, was a testament to the fierce rivalry and competitive spirit that has long defined this historic rugby encounter.
Trinity College started strong, capitalizing on early opportunities to take the lead. Their disciplined defense and well-coordinated attacks kept Royal College on the back foot throughout much of the first half. However, Royal College, known for their resilience, mounted a determined comeback in the second half, closing the gap and putting Trinity under significant pressure.
Despite Royal College’s efforts, Trinity held their nerve in the dying moments of the game, successfully defending their slender lead until the final whistle. The narrow victory not only gives Trinity College an advantage heading into the second leg but also heightens the anticipation for the conclusion of this year’s Bradby Shield series.
Both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, making the first leg of the 78th Bradby Shield a thrilling spectacle for rugby fans. The stage is now set for a dramatic second encounter, where Royal College will seek to overturn the deficit and Trinity College will aim to secure the shield.