Sunday Mar 22, 2026
Sunday Mar 22, 2026
Monday, 16 March 2026 02:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Thomians yesterday produced a strong second-half comeback to defeat Kandy Sri Sumangala College 31-24 in their pre-quarter-final clash of the Dialog Schools Under-19 President’s Trophy Knockout Rugby encounter played at Havelock Park.
Sumangala started the game with plenty of confidence and attacking intent. Their forwards and three-quarters combined well to put the Thomian defence under pressure, while also maintaining a rock-solid defensive structure. At halftime, the Kandy side deservedly led 17-12 after scoring three tries against two from the Mt. Lavinia outfit.
Thomians struggled to find rhythm in the opening half and were guilty of several handling errors, which disrupted their attacking flow. Sumangala capitalised on those mistakes, playing quick rugby and gaining valuable territory to keep the pressure firmly on their opponents.
However, the second half saw a completely different performance from the lads from Mt. Lavinia. Thomians tightened their defence and began to play a more structured attacking game. Their forwards provided better ball and the backs made good use of space to gradually take control of the contest.
In the end, S. Thomas’ College finished with five tries and three conversions, while Sri Sumangala College replied with four tries and two conversions. The hard-fought victory carried the Thomians through to the quarter-final stage of the Knockout tournament after an entertaining encounter.
The Referee was Nalin Lasantha.
