Roaring Lions and gutsy Zahirians in League decider at Maradana

Trinity winger Minula Yaddehige avoids a Wesley player 

– Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe 

By Shamseer Jaleel

The spotlight of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 will firmly fall on Maradana this Saturday (20 June) when defending champions Trinity College travel to Colombo for the ninth time this season in what promises to be the league-deciding clash against an inspired Zahira College outfit.

An overflowing crowd is expected hours before the 4 p.m. kick-off as two of the most exciting teams of the 2026 season battle for supremacy. Trinity arrive unbeaten and carrying the weight of expectations, while Zahira have emerged as the competition’s surprise package with a series of memorable victories that have rekindled the school’s rugby tradition.

The Lions from Kandy have been in irresistible form throughout the season. Under the captaincy of Shan Althaf, Trinity have already captured the President’s Trophy Knockout Championship by winning all four of their matches away from home in Colombo.

Their league campaign has been equally impressive, recording convincing victories over Lumbini College (65-3), St. Anthony’s College (65-3), Sri Sumangala College (39-0), D.S. Senanayake College (41-10), and Isipathana College (36-12) before entering the Super Round. In the Super Round, Trinity continued their unbeaten march with dominant wins against Wesley College (43-10) and Royal College (48-15), underlining their status as favourites to retain the league crown.

Head coach and Sri Lanka rugby legend Fazil Marija has moulded a well-balanced outfit, combining a powerful forward pack with a dangerous back division, assisted by forwards coach Viraj Prashanth.

Captain Shan Althaf has led from the front throughout the campaign, while vice-captains Udan Wijekoon and Nisith Kumarasinghe have consistently delivered influential performances. Achintha Jayasena, Hamza Abdeen, Abdul Malik, Minula Yaddehige, and Deemath Ambepitiya have also been among Trinity’s standout performers this season.

However, Zahira will enter the contest full of confidence after producing one of their finest seasons in nearly three decades. Led by Hakeem Chunchie, with outstanding contributions from Zain Zahim and Muzil Mohamed, the Maradana outfit, coached by Radhika Hettiarachchi, has revived memories of the celebrated 1998 side captained by Riyas Hanis.

Zahira have compiled an impressive record, defeating Kingswood College (20-15), Science College (31-25), Royal College (29-26), and Thurstan College (38-28), with their only setback coming against S. Thomas’ College (35-25). They have continued their outstanding form in the Super Round, overcoming St. Peter’s College (38-34) and Wesley College (38-24).

Among the season’s biggest milestones, Zahira defeated Royal for the first time in 63 years and ended a 28-year wait for victory over St. Peter’s, achievements that have transformed belief within the camp.

History also adds significance to the occasion. Trinity first won the league title in 1987 under Tyrel Rajapakse before reclaiming the championship last season under Safraz Usmaan. Another victory on Saturday would see them successfully defend their crown, while Zahira stand on the threshold of one of the greatest achievements in the school’s rugby history.

With two attacking teams, outstanding individual talent, and the league championship at stake, all signs point towards a thrilling contest that could be remembered as one of the defining school rugby matches of the season.

The action begins tomorrow with a Plate Segment encounter between Thurstan College and St. Joseph’s College at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Both teams have shown glimpses of quality during the season and will be eager to secure valuable points as the Plate competition enters its decisive phase.

Saturday promises to be the busiest day, with six matches on the card.

The spotlight will firmly be on the Cup Segment, where Royal College host St. Peter’s College at the Royal Sports Complex. Royal have been one of the strongest teams this season but have lacked the finishing touch and will look to return to winning momentum, while the Peterites will be determined to upset the hosts and strengthen their own title ambitions with one more game against Trinity still to come.

Another major Cup Segment fixture will see Wesley College take on Isipathana College at Longden Place. Isipathana, traditionally one of the powerhouses of schools rugby, will start as favourites, but Wesley have shown considerable improvement and will be keen to produce a strong performance against their more fancied opponents.

In the Plate Segment, Ananda College face St. Anthony’s College at the Air Force Rugby Ground in Rajagiriya. Both sides are evenly matched and a close contest is anticipated. Meanwhile, S. Thomas’ College welcome Sri Sumangala College to Mount Lavinia, where the Thomians will be looking to make home advantage count against a spirited Sumangala outfit.

The Bowl Segment will also feature an interesting battle when Kingswood College meet D.S. Senanayake College at Pallekele. Kingswood have displayed steady progress throughout the season and will aim to maintain their upward trajectory.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with two Bowl Segment matches. Science College host Mahanama College at Mount Lavinia in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter. Science have enjoyed a productive campaign and will seek another victory on home turf.

The final fixture of the week will see Prince of Wales College take on Lumbini College at the Air Force Ground in Ratmalana. Both teams will view the match as an opportunity to finish the weekend on a positive note and improve their standing in the Bowl competition.

The two teams finishing at the bottom of the Bowl Segment will be relegated, while Vidyartha College and Dharmaraja College are tipped to earn promotion for the 2027 season.

All matches kick off at 4 p.m.

19 June

Thurstan College vs. St. Joseph’s College at Sugathadasa Stadium

20 June

Zahira College vs. Trinity College at Maradana

Royal College vs. St. Peter’s College at Royal Sports Complex

Wesley College vs. Isipathana College at Longden Place

Ananda College vs. St. Anthony’s College at Rajagiriya

S. Thomas’ College vs. Sri Sumangala College at Mount Lavinia

Kingswood College vs. D.S. Senanayake College at Bogambara Stadium

21 June

Science College vs. Mahanama College at Mount Lavinia

Prince of Wales College vs. Lumbini College at Ratmalana