Friday Jun 12, 2026
Friday Jun 12, 2026
Monday, 18 May 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Royal College produced a determined second-half performance to edge out a spirited Kingswood College outfit 13/6 in their Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League 2026 encounter played at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele yesterday.
The Reid Avenue lads were pushed to the limit by the Randles Hill school in a tense and error-filled contest before sealing victory with a late try. Royal collected their points through two unconverted tries and a penalty, while Kingswood replied with two penalties.
At the short breather, it was the Randles Hills team who led 6/5.
Royal made the perfect start when skipper Disas Pathirana crashed over in the second minute following a series of close-range forward phases. Although the conversion was missed, Royal looked composed during the opening exchanges and threatened to build early momentum.
However, Kingswood gradually wrestled control through their hardworking forwards, who dominated territory and possession for long periods. Royal’s repeated handling errors and indiscipline allowed the Randles Hills side to keep pressure deep inside opposition territory.
Despite enjoying the better share of possession, Kingswood failed to capitalise fully on several promising attacking opportunities due to poor finishing and a resilient Royal defensive effort near the try line. Fullback Shamith Shafraz kept the scoreboard moving with two well-taken penalties as Kingswood carried a narrow 6/5 lead into halftime.
After the turnaround, Royal returned with greater composure and improved discipline. Shimak Shafeek levelled the scores with a straightforward penalty as both teams engaged in a fierce territorial battle dominated by tactical kicking and a strong defence.
With the game finely balanced and heading for a nail-biting finish, Royal eventually found the decisive breakthrough in the dying stages. Dinuka Perera crossed over in the final minute to secure a hard-fought victory for the Colombo school after a testing encounter against a determined Kingswood outfit.
The Referee was Ishanka Abeykoon.
In other fixtures, St. Anthony’s College registered their second victory of the season when they defeated Lumbini College 31/25 at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium after leading 19/10 at halftime. This was the Antonians’ second win in the season, earlier beating DS. They will likely play in the Plate segment during the Super Round.
Science College displayed good skills to beat Thurstan 26/14 at the Science College Ground in Mount Lavinia.
At the short breather, Science led 19/14.
