Second half rally takes Thomians through to first win

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 01:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

S. Thomas' College registered its first win of the season in fine fashion with a spirited 33/12 victory over Kingswood College in the Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League 2026 encounter played at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele on Sunday.

The Thomians ran in five tries and added four conversions in an impressive all-round display, while Kingswood replied with two tries and a single conversion in a game that saw momentum shift dramatically after the break.

At halftime, the Mount Lavinia outfit held a narrow 14/12 lead in what was a tightly contested opening half. Both teams played positive rugby, moving the ball wide in the first half though with some handling errors.

Kingswood showed early promise with their attacking play, keeping the Thomians under pressure and capitalising on defensive lapses. However, they were unable to sustain that intensity as the game progressed, allowing their opponents to gradually take control.

The second half belonged entirely to S. Thomas’, who showed better structure, composure, and execution. They piled on 19 unanswered points, dominating possession and territory while exposing gaps in the Kingswood defence to pull away convincingly.

Fly-half Mayanka Dias was the standout performer of the match, delivering a commanding display with ball in hand and off the tee. His ability to break the line and control proceedings proved vital, as he contributed two tries and four conversions in a match-winning effort.

Thomiansnother tries came through Vishwa Ariyawansa, Rashen Fernando, and Thiyesha Aluvihare, while Kingswood’s points were scored by Chanidu Adikari and Asheik Rizvi, with Dilaj Fernando adding the conversion.

Referee Gihan Yatawara kept a firm grip on proceedings, ensuring a disciplined and well-contested encounter.