Thriller at Reid Avenue: ONHC Stun RCHC in Andriesz Shield Opener Despite Pakistani Star Power
If Sunday night’s electric clash at the Colombo International Hockey Arena is any indication, the 2025 Andriesz Shield will be a season unlike any other. In a match that blended international star power, homegrown grit, and an underdog narrative worthy of folklore, Old Nalanda Hockey Club (ONHC) delivered a thunderous statement by toppling the heavily favoured Royal College Hockey Club – A (RCHC-A) 5-2 in the tournament’s curtain-raiser.
The Andriesz Shield, organized by the Colombo Hockey Association — the governing body for Colombo District hockey — is not just a tournament. It is a proving ground, a legacy-laden battleground that showcases Sri Lanka’s finest club talent. And this year, it welcomed an unexpected but thrilling twist: international talent entering the fray.
All eyes, unsurprisingly, were on RCHC-A’s marquee signing — Waseem, a standout from the Pakistan national team and captain of Pakistan Petroleum. His presence alone elevated the evening to a spectacle. Fans poured in for a glimpse of elite-level hockey, and Waseem delivered with skill, precision, and the flair of a seasoned international. But in sport, names alone don’t win games — cohesion, hunger, and execution do. And that’s precisely where ONHC outshone their star-studded opponents.
The Anatomy of an Upset
ONHC wasted no time. Just two minutes in, Bodika Dias fired a warning shot — quite literally — by converting a penalty corner with surgical efficiency. RCHC-A responded with expected class: Waseem’s equalizer in the 10th minute, a flawless penalty corner conversion, momentarily shifted momentum and reignited belief in the favourites.
But ONHC had other plans.
Skipper Pathum Proboda regained the lead by the 14th minute, hammering in a direct hit that closed out a frenetic first quarter with ONHC ahead 2-1. That early lead laid the foundation for what would become a masterclass in discipline and resilience.
Dias struck again in the 28th minute — his second penalty corner goal — as ONHC widened the gap to 3-1. RCHC-A’s Thenveer pulled one back in the 43rd minute through a composed penalty stroke, giving the favourites a glimmer of hope. Yet, that glimmer was quickly extinguished.
The final quarter belonged, once again, to Dias and Proboda. Dias sealed his hat-trick in the 57th minute with a third penalty corner goal, before Proboda added his second just three minutes later — a performance that was part poetry, part power.
Final Score: ONHC 5 – RCHC-A 2.
Not a close shave. Not a lucky break. A statement win.
What This Means for the League
ONHC’s triumph goes beyond the scoreboard. It signals a refreshing shift in Sri Lankan club hockey — where tactical preparation, local talent, and club unity can rival (and defeat) even the flashiest of imports. While Waseem’s presence is a welcome boost for Sri Lankan hockey’s visibility, Sunday’s result is a reminder that star power is not a silver bullet.
For RCHC, this loss will sting. But with their depth and leadership, a resurgence is likely — and eagerly awaited. The real winners, however, are the fans and the sport itself. The drama, passion, and unpredictability of the season are already in full swing.
Officials for the Opener
- Field Umpires: Indika Jayawardane, Shantha De Mel
- Reserve Umpire: Frank Fernando
- Judges: Dinesha Perera, Dinesh Karan
- Technical Officer: M. Laheer
Elsewhere on the Turf: A Weekend of Highlights
The Andriesz Shield may have grabbed the headlines, but hockey fever spread across all divisions over the weekend:
- May 31st Saturday – Colombo League C Division: Colombo Malay Cricket Club dominated Old Ashokian’s Hockey Club 4-1.
- B Division – Pioneer Shield: Old Joes Sports Club blanked RCHC-B 3-0.
- June 1st Sunday – Women’s Division: BRC Women’s Team impressed with a 3-0 victory over Moratuwa University Women’s Team.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season gathers momentum, two things are clear: the level of competition has never been higher, and no club can afford complacency. With international talent adding gloss and local clubs delivering grit, the Andriesz Shield is fast becoming a magnet for both diehard hockey fans and curious newcomers alike.
The opening night delivered a thriller. If this pace continues, Sri Lanka is set for a hockey season to remember.