Trinity, Wesley and Thomians continue unbeaten run

Monday, 7 July 2025 02:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

As Round 1 of the 2025 Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League concluded, three powerhouses – Trinity College, Wesley College, and S. Thomas’ College – remained unbeaten, setting the early benchmarks for excellence with Round 2 to commence with a week’s break for the tired rugby players.

Trinity College’s 34/12 victory over Royal College at Pallekele was a statement of intent. By halftime, the Lions led 19/9, and their forwards and three-quarters combined seamlessly thereafter to cross the line six times. The Lions stamped their authority in all departments with this game being the rehearsal for their Bradby Shield encounter, which will commence on 23 August with the first leg played at Pallekele.

Their aggressive mauls and incisive back-line moves continually exposed Royal’s defence, allowing Trinity to control territory and tempo from start to finish, despite the visitors’ trio of penalty goals. Skipper Shafraz Usmaan, Co Vice-Captain Nisith Kumarasinghe, Hamza Abdeen, Udan Wijekoon, and Minula Yaddehige were outstanding both in defence as well in attack.

Wesley College maintained their imperious form with a 43/11 triumph over Ananda College at Havelock Park. The Saints’ pack dominated the collisions, providing quick ball for slick handling wide out.

Wesley’s comprehensive defence stifled Ananda’s wingers, while their own back-line executed pinpoint offloads and support running, securing bonus points and preserving the club’s elite status. The Double Blues will be one of the strong contenders to win the League this year.

S. Thomas’ College topped off an unbeaten first round by upsetting Isipathana College 36/24 to lift the inaugural Rizvi Suhayb Trophy at Mount Lavinia. The Thomians’ blend of tactical kicking and powerful ball-carrying proved decisive. Their defence repelled several surges, while their centres and wings capitalised on quick recycling to cross the whitewash at critical moments. The Thomians led 21/14 at the short breather. The Greens can never be knocked down, as a comeback is in the cards in Round 2.

Beyond the triumvirate, Royal College, St. Peter’s College, and Isipathana College also booked their Cup segment berths, each with a single defeat blemishing otherwise impressive campaigns.

Kingswood College continued their resurgence with a 27/17 win over Dharmaraja College at Nittawela, securing a Plate segment spot with three victories from four outings. At the short breather, the lads from Randles Hill led 12/10.

St. Joseph’s College roared back to form at Longdon Place, delivering a 67/7 rout of Sumangala College with a relentless all-court attack and suffocating defence. At the breather, the Darley Road lads led 27/7.

Plate rugby will feature D.S. Senanayake, St. Joseph’s, Zahira, Sumangala, Kingswood, and Ananda, all vying for silver-ware and momentum into Round 2.

The Bowl segment will include Dharmaraja College, Vidyartha College, St. Anthony’s College, Mahanama College, Science College, and Thurstan College, with the bottom two facing relegation in 2026.

Trinity, Wesley, and the Thomians have thus set the bar exquisitely high, with each squad blending physicality, skill, and strategic acumen to navigate a rigorous first round. As Round 2 looms, the first set of matches in Cup, Plate, and Bowl will commence on 18 July after a week’s break.

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