Antonians and Thurstan aim for glory while Rajans and Vidyartha in survival battle

Schools Rugby League 2025 Bowl Segment

Thursday, 31 July 2025 02:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 Bowl Segment is reaching its climax with three crucial match days that will determine both the trophy winners and the teams facing demotions will be identified by this weekend.

The much-anticipated clash between St. Anthony’s College and Thurstan College on 1 August at the Sugathadasa Stadium will effectively decide the Bowl Championship title.

Antonians, riding high on form in the Super Round, remain unbeaten with two straight wins and sit at the top with 18 points. Saliya Kumara coached outfit hit peak form at their last first round match at Mount Lavinia against Science College. From there they have shown remarkable improvements. A side with blend of youth and experience hit peak late which cost them the Plate/Cup segment feature in super Round 2.

Their opponents, Thurstan, aren’t far behind, sitting second with 15 points. Thurstan, however, could pull off an upset and claim the title on points difference if they manage a convincing victory. Shamli Nawas coached outfit did not maintain consistency this season which was their major worry.

On paper and recent form, the Antonians have looked the better side with balanced performances from both their forwards and backs. Their ability to close out tight matches gives them the edge ahead of this high-stakes showdown.

Referee will be Tharindu Perera.

The following day, on 2 August attention will shift to the Nittawela Rugby Stadium where Vidyartha College face Mahanama College in a must-win game. Vidyartha, currently languishing near the bottom, need two wins from their remaining fixtures to guarantee safety. They started off well with Joes ending on equal terms at 24 a piece but from their onwards hit a low end with injuries and squad limited to 30 players.

Anything less could see them dragged into the demotion zone, which will relegate the bottom two teams in the Bowl segment to a lower division in 2026. Mahanama too will be desperate to finish strong and avoid slipping further. At present Vidyartha is placed on fifth position in the Bowl segment with 2 points while Mahanama on third position with 12 points.

Referee will be Nalin Lasantha.

Meanwhile, Dharmaraja College will also be under intense pressure as they face Science College in Mount Lavinia on the same day. Rajans have yet to register a single win this season and find themselves in serious danger of relegation.

Science College, though inconsistent, have shown flashes of promise and will be looking to finish mid-table with a win over the Rajans. Science are placed fourth in the Bowl segment with 11 points while Rajans placed sixth and last on a solitary point under their account.

Referee will be Jeewaka Fonseka.

From the bottom group, Prince of Wales and Lumbini are tipped to get promoted for 2026 rugby season.

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