Thomians cruise past Sumangala 42-10 as Dias and Akbar shine in commanding victory

Saturday, 20 June 2026 04:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Thomian Prop forward, Vishwa Akash on an attacking move - Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

By Shamseer Jaleel

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, produced an impressive display of attacking rugby to overpower Sumangala College 42-10 in their Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League Plate Segment encounter played at Havelock Park yesterday.

The Thomians dominated with their expansive running game and clinical finishing to secure a convincing victory after leading 21-5 at half-time.

Despite the final scoreline, Sumangala College made an encouraging start and enjoyed plenty of possession inside Thomian territory during the opening stages. However, the lads from Kandy were unable to convert their territorial advantage into points, missing a promising scoring opportunity that could have changed the complexion of the contest.

The Thomians, by contrast, made every attacking opportunity count. Displaying pace, precision and excellent support play, they crossed for three superb first-half tries to establish a healthy 21-5 advantage at the interval, while Sumangala managed to respond with a solitary try.

Fly-half Mayanka Dias was one of the standout performers of the evening. Besides orchestrating the backline with confidence, Dias crossed for a well-deserved try and was flawless with the boot, converting all six Thomian tries. His personal haul of 17 points underlined an outstanding all-round performance that kept the scoreboard ticking throughout the contest.

Winger Zaydaan Akbar was equally influential, proving a constant menace with his speed and finishing ability. Akbar sliced through the Sumangala defence to score two well-taken tries, capping an excellent outing on the wing. His intelligent running lines and ability to ghost past defenders proved a nightmare for the Sumangala players, who had no answer to stopping him. Chanuth Eheliyagoda and Vishwa Akash also added their names to the scoresheet with a try apiece as the Thomians continued to stretch their lead.

Sumangala showed commendable determination after the turnaround and enjoyed several promising passages of play. They were denied a try-scoring opportunity near the line due to a double movement. However, the Thomian defence remained disciplined and organised, limiting their opponents’ scoring chances. Maleesha Karunathilake accounted for both of Sumangala’s tries, providing the bright spark for his side despite the defeat.

Referee Jeewaka Fonseka controlled the game.

In another Plate Segment fixture, St. Joseph’s College edged Thurstan College 24-22 at Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday evening.

At half-time, Thurstan led 10-7.

St. Joseph’s now lead the Plate Segment standings with 24 points and will face Sumangala College in their final outing in Kandy.