KINGSWOOD and TRINITY put early points on the board. POSITIVE PLAY. COOL START for the SEASON.

Kingswood defeated Royal 13-7, after leading 7-0 at the short whistle at Bogambora last Thursday (24th). Kingswood played a spirited first half, marked with some splendid breaks and a dogged defence every time royal made it to their quarter. After a 2007 marked with controversy and suspensions both teams were giving their best to “lock up the ghosts” and to put points on the board.

 

However, Kingswood – despite being the lighter side – played a good “link” game occupying more territory and driving the ball up the park whenever possible. Specially their Fullback MC Sansoni (who shows good promise) was spot on with his clearances and offensive play.

 

Kingswood’s converted try came through Prop HP Dharmawardana in the 35^th minute. In addition Scrum Half cum kicker Roshan Weeraratne fired across 2 penalties. Royal responded with a solitary goal in the 2^nd Half. The Royal Number 8 had a wonderful game giving the home crowd a few anxious moments, but he lacked support from the front rowers in executing something dramatic.

 

However, one noticed that Kingswood was a bit rusty in their work in the 2^nd Half. The legs seemed to tire a bit quickly and the defense was napping on a couple of occasions. This will not do any good for them when they meet tougher XV’s such as St. Peter’s and Isipathana in weeks to come.

 

In what appears a change of tactics, Kingswood was seen to “use” their Forwards for territory and not solely depend on the back division as has been the case in recent years. In that sense, there seemed to be more “balance” in the team. The Half Back and Fullback, both, were sound with their kicking – which is a good sign ahead of crucial fixtures to come.

 

Kandy’s flashy XV [specially, the jersey and their unpredictable play] – Trinity – too put four straight aces on Isipatana’s table as they shocked a capacity Longdon Place with their 29-10 victory over the Green Jersey giants. Trinity, who are, in reality, an underdog side this season have made an early statement and set up the tempo for their 2008 season.

 

Isipatana, it should be noted, is one of the favourites this year having already won two 7’s tournaments in Colombo. But, they had not been seriously tested by any of the Kandy schools till the Longdon Place outing. Trinity’s performance comes as a result of combined purposeful play. Despite their inexperience the team seemed to group as a determined unit.

 

Both Kingswood and Trinity play without their “big names” from last year. It surely will be interesting to see the impact they can make and resist the St. Peter’s challenge – the favourites this year [too].