Two big favourites dumped , whilst Mayanka Dias remains an unsung hero with his golden boot.
Scrum and engage with Christopher Jordashe on SriLanka sports.com
Script Brian Thomas
Views that matter: Christopher Jordashe
After beating the Lions in their own den , the Bamba brigade were shell-shocked , undone by St Joseph’s, who ended up only as runners up in the plate competition. What a sterling performance by the Joe’s in all facets of the game..
The long season in the league,had its concerns of fatique and issues outside the playing field that cost the Peterites a season not remembered rather than cherish . With so much potential, the psychological factors took its wrath on the boys who looked jaded in their final outing that too against arch rivals St Joseph’s.
The Basil Weeratunga trophy regained after seven long years by the Maradana lads proves a pertinent point that the long league is not only a physical strain on the boys but mental as well leading into certain psychological factors as well that could be detrimental .
Look what happens to Trinity ? Known for their impeccable defence, alongside runners up Wesley, they faulted in their last two outings, not only in defence but in ball handling, infringements, that gave birth to multiple issues as they did not seem mentally prepared for the game .Players must mentally focus themselves to these key games avoiding distractions.
Coach Fazil Marjah stated they played their worst game in the all-important first leg of the Bradby. This is the price you pay for being strong favourites, too much expectation, complacency and the impact that has on the top players. Imagine, Altaf kicking boots made him a mediocre, Neth Kumarasinghe, awarded the most valuable player of the league, who lacked intent was even benched. Scrum half Wijekoon looked cramped up , so much so that the match commentators even stated Mandale katchal.
How can you justify 13 unforced errors, 10 infringements, 30 minutes in the royal territory defending their fringes against 14 men, and you don’t score ? What’s up Trinity.
Now Trinity will enter Jurassic Park as underdogs, big time. Royal now knows where to hurt the Lions , kick deep, ball retention, possesion mark Shan Altaf, spread the wing three-quarter deep and protect that cross kick. It looks like Trinity is weak against brutal body contact. Thanks to the TMO , Royal Play Maker Pathirana was not given a red card.
He tackles Altaf and punches him on his face. Sorry, TMO you were too lenient in your decision in only awarding the culprit with a yellow card. Physical assault must be nipped in at the bud. This would have been a lesson to all the school boys that the game does not tolerate physical abuse.
The Thomians were saved by the bell today against bowl champions St Anthony’s. The Kandy boys dominated play for almost 75 % of the game.St Anthony’s played some good running rugby and was spreading the ball wide at every given oppurtunity and kept playing the running phases. St Anthonys played with purpose and had the intensity,agression..
My question is why is Mayanka Dias not given his due rewards. If not for his golden boot, our script would be different.He put over 4 conversions that made the difference. He was also instrumental for a try scored by his forwards, his back line defence has improved.. In fact his kicking boot off the T is about the most reliable amongst the schools.
Thomians were tipped to take a walk in the park at CR and FC today , but it’s Mayanka Dias and his golden boot that saved them. Even the Thomians looked jaded competing in the cup Segment. STC were lucky that St Anthonys missed a crucial penalty in the last 4 mins or it would be another case of the thomians losing their 4th game at a stretch in the last few minutes. Guess this proves that teams in the plate and bowl segment, in pursuit against the bigger teams, have the WILL against skill to upset an apple cart with determined performances.
This league showed us that many teams came up with tremendous improvements,amazing performances on the day in Cup,plate and bowl segments, especially at the latter stage St Peter’s, Joe’s, Royal and St Anthony’s were noteworthy.
Finally, Brian Thomas, who had an intense conversation with the well-known sports producer of international standards, the author of the Russel Arnold show Mr Shyam Impert , producer of the Russel Arnold show.stated Quote Brian its mental and psychological effect taking its toll on the favourites who are expected to win all the time , it does not work that way mate. Un Quote.
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