Trinity favourites as Schools Rugby League reaches crucial week

 Trinity second rower Akash Fernando on a powerful run – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

Unbeaten and defending League Champions Trinity College will once again make their journey to Colombo, where the humid conditions have troubled many visiting teams over the years. However, the Lions have shown no signs of slowing down and remain the team to beat in the 2026 Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League.

Led admirably by skipper Sham Althaf, Trinity have displayed a different brand of rugby this season. Rather than relying on a handful of star players, the Kandy outfit has thrived on teamwork, discipline, and an outstanding understanding among all 15 players on the field. Their structured approach, swift ball movement, and ability to capitalise on opportunities have made them a formidable force. Even their forwards look lightning fast.

Several players have consistently stood out for the Lions. Udan Wijekoon, Minula Yaddehige, Achintha Jayasena, Evin Jayasena, Deemath Ambepitiya, and Abdul Malik have all played key roles in maintaining Trinity’s unbeaten run. Their balanced squad and collective effort have enabled them to dominate opponents throughout the campaign.

This weekend, Trinity will face Royal College at the Royal Sports Complex. Royal, led by Disas Pathirana, will need to produce something special if they are to halt the Lions' march towards another league title. The Reid Avenue outfit suffered a heavy defeat in the President’s Trophy encounter and later endured a shock loss to Zahira College, their first defeat to the Maradana school in 63 years. They were also comprehensively beaten by Isipathana in the Super Round. Royal must regroup quickly and deliver their best performance of the season if they are to challenge the defending champions. Led by Disas Pathirana, one of the outstanding No. 8s in schools rugby, the Reid Avenue outfit is yet to click as a unit.

Another key encounter will see Wesley College take on Zahira College. Zahira remain outside contenders for league honours after producing some of the most exciting rugby of the season. Under captain Chunchi and coach Radhika Hettiarachchi, the Maradana school stunned Royal after a 63-year wait and also ended a 28-year drought against St. Peter’s. Their giant-killing performances have made them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Plate segment will feature St. Joseph’s hosting St. Anthony’s at Longdon Place, with the Darley Road outfit holding the advantage. Ananda College will entertain S. Thomas’ College at Rajagiriya, while Thurstan College will meet Science College at Sugathadasa Stadium.

In the Bowl segment, Lumbini College and Mahanama College will clash at Police Park in a vital relegation battle. The remaining fixtures will see Science College hosting D.S. Senanayake College and Prince of Wales’ College taking on Kingswood College at Ratmalana.-(SJ)

Fixtures

12 June

• St. Joseph’s vs St. Anthony’s – Longdon Place; Referee:Jeewaka Fonseka

13 June

• Royal vs. Trinity – Royal Sports Complex; Referee: Kelum Sandaruwan
• Isipathana vs. St. Peter’s – Havelock Park; Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon
• Ananda vs. S. Thomas’ – Rajagiriya; Referee: Hasantha Weranga
• Thurstan vs. Science – Sugathadasa Stadium; Referee: Raveen Alexander
• Lumbini vs. Mahanama – Police Park; Referee: Thilina Rathnayake

14 June

• Science vs. D.S. Senanayake – Mount Lavinia; Referee: Jeewaka Fonseka
• Prince of Wales’ vs. Kingswood – Ratmalana; Referee: Aruna Shantha
• Wesley vs. Zahira – Havelock Park; Referee: Gihan Yatawara