The 30th Annual Royal-Thomian Water Polo encounter for the Dr. R.L. Hayman Memorial Trophy took place on the 30th of September and on the 7th of October, 2023 at the Sugathadasa Stadium. The encounter, more famously known as ‘Hayman’ is known to provide the fans with excitement and this year was no different with a thrilling finale that left the fans on the edge of their seats till the last second.
The first leg was on the 30th of September and the match commenced with the rain pouring down, impacting the visibility of the players in the pool. Despite the rain, spectators braved the weather and cheered on the players. The Thomians got off to a strong start with Migara Gurusinghe claiming a goal within the first 15 seconds of the game and continued to dominate the first quarter scoring a total of 5 goals. The 1st quarter ended with the Thomians in the lead 5-2.
Royal College staged a comeback in the last 3 quarters of the game and ended up clinching the first leg with a final score of 10-15. The Thomian team faced a far from ideal situation as they faced the immense challenge of retaining the trophy in the second leg.
The second leg had an aura to it with no rain expected and clear skies setting the occasion for a tense game of Water Polo. The Thomians got off to yet another strong start in the second leg with Migara Gurusinghe scoring the first goal. The 1st quarter ended in similar fashion with the Thomians claiming a 3 point lead over Royal College, 5-2.
The second quarter too was dominated by S. Thomas’ as they accumulated a score of 8-3 which meant the scores were overall equalised with Royal College, 18-18. This set up a tense finish to the game as the side that outscored the other would take home the Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy.
Royal College took the lead in the game once again scoring an early goal in the third quarter. However, the Thomians once again levelled the scores as Migara Gurusinghe scored off a deflection of Sheharan Nawaz’s shot. The Thomians showed technical brilliance in the last two quarters significantly restricting Royal’s ability to score.
Heading into the final minute of the game the scores were level and the atmosphere was electric. Royal College broke through within the last 15 seconds of the game with the crowd on their knees as cap number 3, Mihin Wanigasekara held possession of the ball and had a free shot at the goal but it was not meant to be for Royal College as Seevali Gurusinghe provided one last moment of magic to make the save and with that the game ended with a final score of 21-21.
S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia retained the Dr. R.L.Hayman Memorial trophy. The night ended on a display of brotherhood as Captain, Yumal Bollegala invited the Royal College team to share the podium with his team. Migara Gurusinghe was named the most valuable player of the encounter as he scored a total of 10 goals and his technical brilliance across both legs. The encounter overall displayed true Thomian grit and the efforts of the Water Polo team should be commended.