Antonians face DS at Nittawela in Alles Trophy face-off as Schools Rugby League 2025 kicks off today

Friday, 6 June 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 will kick off in style with the much awaited Alles Trophy encounter between St. Anthony’s College and D. S. Senanayake College which is scheduled for today (6 June) at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium, promising an intense battle to open the season.

Antonians, led by Omitha Dissanayake, enter the tournament with a well-balanced side and a strong coaching setup. With experienced campaigners like Rawindu Gregory, Randeer Perera, and Deshan Liyanage in their ranks, the Antonians are expected to play a fast-paced and physical brand of rugby. They will be guided by seasoned coach Saliya Kumara, widely regarded as one of the finest tacticians in the schools circuit.

D. S., considered the dark horses of the tournament, will not be easy pushovers. Under the leadership of the dynamic Lankesh Wijerathne, the Colombo outfit boasts a determined squad that includes standout players Rasindu Bandara, Methila Peiris, and Tateera Dahamdiv. Coach Asela Deshapriya has shaped a gritty, disciplined unit capable of upsetting bigger named teams.

Trinity host Sumangala

Trinity College will kick off their Schools Rugby League 2025 campaign with a home fixture against Kandy Sri Sumangala College at the Pallekele Rugby Stadium.

Trinity is led this season by Shafraz Usmaan, a dynamic leader known for his commanding presence on the field. Supporting him are co-vice captains Shan Althaf and Nisith Kumarasinghe, both of whom played vital roles in their recent campaign. They also have their scrum half and play maker, Udan Wijekoon who coordinates the three quarters and forwards well.

Trinity comes into the league with confidence, having finished as runners-up in the prestigious President’s Trophy Knockout Tournament earlier this year. Trinity is coached by Fazil Marija once more.

With a balanced mix of experience and young flair, Trinity will aim to stamp their authority early in the tournament. They are also considered strong contenders for a Cup segment finish and will not want to slip against a determined Sri Sumangala side.

Sri Sumangala, though seen as underdogs, will look to challenge their more fancied hosts and gain valuable experience at this level. They are led by Adithya Rathnayake, Co-Vice Captains Mohamed Hameed and Yadira Thewanka are leading players for the Sumangala outfit. They are coached by Malith Hettiarachchi and Kolonne.

The schedule

6 June:

St. Anthony’s vs DS at Nittawela

Referee for the game Ishanka Abeykoon

Trinity vs Kandy Sumangala at Pallekelle Rugby Stadium

Referee Tharindu Perera will handle

Royal vs Thurstan at Royal Sports Complex

Referee for the game is Charani Liyanage

Zahira vs Dharmaraja at Maradana

Referee Aruna Shantha will handle

7 June:

St. Peter’s vs Ananda at Bambalapitiya

Referee Nipuna Amarathunga

S. Thomas' vs Kingswood at Mount Lavinia

Referee Raveen Alexander will officiate

Wesley vs Science at Havelock Park

Referee Gihan Yatawara will handle

Vidyartha vs St. Joseph’s at Nittawela

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon

8 June:

Isipathana vs Mahanama at Havelock Park

Referee Jeewaka Fonseka

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