The 1971 Bradby – “The Shocker at the Rugger”-BY PROF JANEK RATNATUNGA Royal captain Fred Perera and prop Gamma waiting to bind and protect line-out specialist Maiya from a possible undercut from Trinity’s captain Ping. Royal scrumhalf Chulan is also in picture Source:Sundayobserver Hollywood could not have scripted it better. A backdrop of civil unrest; an underdog; an amazing strategy; a psychological thriller; high drama; a grand finale and a lesson in high ethics by an officer and gentleman. In 1974 the world had the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ and in 1975 the ‘Thrilla in Manila’. But before these epic battles, in 1971, there was a ‘Shocker at the Rugger’ at Longden Place – masterminded by Royal coach, Mahesa (Mahes) Rodrigo and Royal captain, Fred Perera. That was exactly 50 -years ago. ...

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