Battle for survival heats up in Schools Rugby Bowl segment

Saturday, 19 July 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 Bowl segment commences, and the focus now shifts to three crucial clashes that could determine the fate of teams battling to avoid relegation. With the bottom two teams set to be demoted next season, the pressure is mounting, and every point becomes critical.

At Nittawela on 19 July, St. Anthony’s College will host Dharmaraja College in a must-win encounter for both the teams. Rajans, still searching for their first victory of the season, will be desperate to make use of their Kandy advantage to break the losing streak. Late waking up and playing good rugby in the last 20 minutes did not help them much, as the opposition teams were already piling up huge scores which were unreachable in the end.

Meanwhile Antonians have managed a solitary win in a close contest against Science College and will look to build on that momentum to steer clear of the danger zone. They had the momentum, but decision-making was the main issue the lads from Katugastota needed to overcome. Their skill and game knowledge were outstanding. They also have one of the best in the trade, Saliya Kumara, as their Head Coach.

Referee will be Nalin Lasantha.

In Mount Lavinia, Science College will host Vidyartha College in a battle between two sides enduring rough patches. Science and Vidyartha are yet to register a win this season and are anchored at the bottom of the standings. Vidyartha, who showed early promise by holding the formidable Joes to a 24-all draw, have since lost form and are equally in need of a win to stay in contention. Both these teams have collected a single point so far after playing five games. Vidyartha squad consists of only 25 players and few players from Under-16 too added to the squad. One of the top coaches, Nilfer Ibrahim looking after the lads.

Referee will be Nipuna Amarathunge.

The final Bowl encounter of the week sees Thurstan College host Mahanama College at Sugathadasa Stadium. Both teams have shown glimpses of potential but lack consistency. This Colombo derby carries high stakes as the loser could edge closer to relegation. Both teams have registered a solitary win this season. Thurstan beat Vidyartha while Mahanama shocked the Rajans with their only win this season.

Referee will be Aruna Shantha.

With demotion looming large, Round 2 of the Bowl segment promises gritty, hard-fought rugby as teams fight to stay afloat on 19 July with all three games taking place with two 8n Colombo and one in Kandy. The last two teams in the points table will be demoted for 2026. (SJ)

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