First-half brilliance powers Trinity through

Thursday, 12 March 2026 03:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Trinity College made an impressive start to the Dialog Schools Under-19 Knockout Rugby Tournament 2026 when they defeated Thurstan College 38-8 at Longdon Place yesterday.

The lads from Kandy dominated the opening half and went into the break with a commanding 38-0 lead after producing some fluent attacking rugby. Their pace and cohesion with ball in hand kept the Thurstan defence under constant pressure as the Lions dominated a six-try blitz. Trinity crossed the line six times in the first half as they ran the ball with confidence and precision. Skipper Shan Althaf led from the front and added four conversions to extend Trinity’s advantage.

Trinity tries were scored by Dimath Ambepitiya, Maleesha Jayaneth, Achintha Jayasena, Onjia Kodithuwakku, Althaf, and Misala Perera. Althaf, who had an outstanding game both in defence as well in attack, added four try conversions.

After the resumption, however, the game took a different turn as Trinity struggled to maintain the same intensity. The Lions were forced to defend for long periods while Thurstan showed better organisation and determination. Despite trailing heavily, Thurstan continued to fight hard and were rewarded for their efforts. Akeesha Pushpakumara slotted over a penalty while skipper Abdul Ahad Sallay produced a magnificent try to give his side their only points of the match.

The game was refereed by Aruna Shantha.

With this win, Trinity advance to the quarter-final stage, where they will face the winners of the D.S. Senanayake College and Zahira College encounter.

In another pre-quarterfinal encounter, St. Peter’s outclassed Ananda 45/3 at the Royal Sports Complex. A

At the short breather, the lads from Bambalapitiya led 19/3.

The Referee was Raveen Alexander.

St. Peter’s will meet the winners of the Wesley vs. Mahanama encounter in their quarter-final encounter. (SJ)

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe