Royal College crush Thomians 5-1 to retain Chandi Chanmugam Trophy

The champion Royal College hockey team

Standing (from left): Dilsara Prabath, Risaja Mahalla, Sithupa Rathnayaka, Kumuthulu Gunathilaka, Savain Karunasiri (Vice Captain), Sulaiman Shihar (Captain), Vidu Wijesinghe, Dineth Jayesinghe, Thenuja Wijayanayaka, Abdullah Wasim, Kalana Nethmina, Hirun Lindula, and Viren Wettasinghe

Squatting (from left): Bingun Savidya, Thineth Weerabahu, Daniru Rubasinghe, Gunitha Dissanayaka, Hiruka Ranaweera, Navidu Liyanage, Sasmitha Sandayuru, Seth Pathirathna, and Anslem Antonipillai

By Susil Premalal

A brilliant hat-trick, including two late goals by Vice Captain Savain Karunasiri, powered the Royal College Under-16 hockey team to a commanding 5-1 victory over traditional rivals S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, in the annual Chandi Chanmugam Challenge Trophy encounter played at the Colombo Racecourse Astro Turf.
The match began on a tight note as both sides struggled to penetrate their opponents’ defence. Royal struck first when Karunasiri deflected a fast-moving ball into the net, giving his team the early advantage. Soon after, Seth Pathirathna extended the lead with a stylish strike, sending Royal into halftime with a 2-0 cushion.
The Thomians fought back strongly after the break, with skipper Hansa Thilakarathne reducing the deficit through a fine reverse-stick goal. However, Royal responded swiftly as Vidu Wijesinghe netted their third goal, restoring the two-goal margin. In the closing minutes, Karunasiri showcased his finishing brilliance with two quick goals, completing his hat trick and sealing a resounding 5-1 triumph for the Reid Avenue boys.
With this victory, Royal juniors retained the Chandi Chanmugam Trophy for the second consecutive year. Karunasiri was named Best Player for his three-goal performance, while goalkeeper Hirun Lindula, also from Royal, was adjudged Best Goalkeeper in the Under-16 category.