From thousands of miles away, following the Bradby Shield game is an experience that brings back all the nostalgia of school pride and the glory of youth. This year’s first leg was an absolute thriller, with Trinity College squeezing out a dramatic 17-16 win over Royal College at the Royal Sports Complex. It was one of those games where you wish you were right there in the stands, cheering until you were hoarse.
Shan Althaf, the hero of the hour, stepped up exactly when the team needed him most. His nerves of steel in front of the posts and a clutch drop goal secured a narrow win in what felt like a true rollercoaster. Both teams played their hearts out, each landing one try apiece. Ultimately, the difference came down to the boys with the boots.
The match had it all:
Suspense, drama, and the unpredictable swings that only Bradby can deliver. Althaf was everywhere, calmly putting over three penalties and a beautifully timed drop goal, scoring 12 of Trinity’s 17 points. His counterpart, Idris Farouk from Royal, wasn’t far behind, racking up 11 points. It was a true duel between the flyhalves, making every kick matter.
Trinity started strong, capitalizing on Royal’s errors and even sending the crowd into a frenzy when Murad Raizan managed a try after a cross-kick that looked like something straight out of an All Blacks highlight reel. Even the New Zealand High Commissioner was spotted looking impressed!
Royal, known for their ruthless play, fought back and led 13-8 by halftime, but the second half was all about defense and grit. Trinity’s boys held firm, making a jaw-dropping 98 tackles compared to Royal’s 80. Althaf’s long-range penalties kept us on edge, and his surprise drop goal in the 60th minute was the icing on the cake.
Royal had their chances, especially towards the game’s dying moments, but Trinity’s defense stayed rock solid. The final minutes felt like an eternity, but the Lions held their ground and walked away victorious, even as the Royalists tried desperately to turn the tide.
South African referee Jaco de Wit kept the game flowing well, supported by assistant referees Aaqil Jamaldeen and Clement Isack, who have deep connections to Bradby battles of yore.
On a more bittersweet note, Royal’s Under-16 team took home a 17-7 win earlier in the day, setting the stage for an intense showdown in the second leg. Now, all eyes are on September 7 in Pallekele, where the boys in red, gold, and blue will look to finish what they started.
Watching from afar, these moments make you long to be back in the motherland, cheering for your school and feeling that rush of Bradby pride. Until the next game, we’ll keep reliving these matches through stories, highlights, and the sheer spirit that is Trinity.
ullamcorper id, varius ac, leo.