Friday Sep 18, 2026
Friday Sep 18, 2026
Thursday, 25 June 2026 04:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Zahira having a great season
By Shamseer Jaleel
The 2026 Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League enters its decisive final week with several championship races still wide open, setting the stage for a dramatic finish across all segments. Despite months of intense competition, the destination of the Cup, Plate and Bowl trophies remains undecided as leading contenders prepare for crucial final-round encounters.
Defending champions Trinity College hold a slight advantage in the race for the prestigious Cup title, but the Kandy school must overcome one final hurdle when they travel to Colombo for the 10th occasion this season in a highly anticipated clash against St. Peter’s College at Bambalapitiya. A victory would virtually seal back-to-back league titles for the Lions. Last year, they won under Usmaan Safraz.
However, Trinity cannot afford any complacency. St. Peter’s and Zahira College remain firmly in contention, and both schools possess the ability to upset the championship calculations. The Peterites, in particular, will draw confidence from their impressive record against Trinity over the past decade.
Under the leadership of skipper Shan Althaf, Trinity have enjoyed a remarkable campaign. The Lions remain unbeaten in league rugby while also capturing the Schools Knockout Championship. Their closest challenge came against Zahira, where they managed to edge past a determined Maradana outfit.
Althaf has led from the front throughout the season and has been ably supported by vice-captain Udan Wijekoon, Achintha Jayasena and Minula Yaddehige. Trinity may be without key playmaker Ammar Manzil, who remains a doubtful starter for the crucial encounter due to injury.
The Trinity-Peterite clash is expected to attract one of the biggest crowds of the season, with rugby fans likely to fill the Bambalapitiya venue well before kick-off. Peters are led by Shenuka Perera and well supported by Nethshan Manthusha and Jamal Wahab. Given space, Jamal could prove dangerous, and the Lions will keep a close watch on the outstanding player, who is capable of breaking through defences with his deceptive running. A Peterite victory would significantly boost their title hopes while also opening the door for Zahira.
Meanwhile, Zahira College face a stern examination against Isipathana College at Havelock Park. The Maradana lads have produced some outstanding rugby this season and remain a genuine threat to the leading contenders. They have beaten Royal, St. Peter’s and Wesley after a gap of more than three decades. Skipper Chunchi, Saifullah and Basith Feroz have been standout performers. The Greens, led by Shaakib Zumri, will be determined to finish their campaign on a positive note after showing glimpses of their potential throughout the tournament, with full-back Nimantha Sandeepa also a vital cog in the outfit.
Another attractive Cup fixture will see Wesley College take on Royal College. The Double Blues will be eager to end their season with a victory after producing one of their finest performances of the campaign against Isipathana in their previous outing. Led by Kaizer Lye and well supported by Liam Onassis and Nelith Hapugalla, Wesley look strong. Royal, under Disas Pathirana, will be all out to put on a good show ahead of their Bradby encounter in two weeks’ time. Shimak Shafeek is another player to watch in the Reid Avenue camp.
The battle for the Plate Segment is equally intriguing. St. Joseph’s College and Thurstan College remain locked in a fierce contest, with the trophy likely to be decided on the final day. The Thomians will host the Antonians in their 17th Father Rosati Trophy encounter at Longdon Place. Both teams richly deserved to be in the Cup Segment but fell into the Plate due to inconsistency in their performances.
St. Joseph’s face a tricky away assignment against Sumangala College at Bogambara Stadium. Although the Josephians hold a slight advantage, Sumangala have displayed flashes of quality throughout the season and will be keen to finish strongly in front of their home supporters.
Thurstan, meanwhile, take on Ananda College at Ratmalana, knowing that victory is essential to keep their title hopes alive. The lads from Thurstan have enjoyed a consistent campaign and will be looking to apply maximum pressure on the Josephians.
In the Bowl Segment, Kingswood College appear best placed to claim honours. The Randles Hill school face Lumbini College at Bogambara Stadium, and a victory should secure the title. Science College remain their nearest challengers, but Kingswood’s strong form makes them favourites. Should Trinity and Kingswood prevail, Kandy schools would capture two of the three trophies on offer, underlining the region’s continued dominance in schools rugby.
26 June
Referee: Raveen Alexander
27 June
Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon
Referee: Gihan Yatawara
Referee: Kelum Sandaruwan
Referee: Hasantha Weranga
Referee: Jeewaka Fonseka
28 June
Referee: Raveen Alexander
Referee: Priya Suranga
Referee: Aruna Shantha
