Trinity in tough battle against Vidyartha

Trinity College will lock horns in their second home fixture of the Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League 2025 when they meet Vidyartha College today at their Pallekelle Rugby Stadium. 

With both teams aiming for a strong finish in their group, this encounter is expected to be a tightly contested affair and a packed house anticipated.

Trinity, the runners-up in the recently concluded President’s Trophy Knockout Tournament, did not begin their league campaign as dominantly as expected. In their Sri Sumangala encounter Lions appeared unsettled in the first half but recovered well after the break to register a convincing 49/15 win. 

Head Coach Fazil Marija will be keen to see a more consistent performance across both halves in this crucial fixture plus conceding less number of penalties.

Led by Shafraz Usmaan, Trinity boasts a strong line-up, with the likes of Nisith Kumarasinghe, Shan Althaf and Udan Wijekoon offering plenty of firepower in both attack and defence. 

Vidyartha College, captained by Praveen De Mel, showed plenty of grit in their opener against Joes ending in a 24-all draw. Vidyartha will need a full 70-minute effort to match Trinity’s physicality and flair with Vihanga Sathsidu and Danushka Dilshan to support the outfit with their experience. They are coached by tactful, Nilfer Ibrahim.

Aruna Shantha will officiate this encounter.

Royal face Sumangala in first away game

Royal College will be in rainy Central Region for their second game when they take on Sri Sumangala College, Kandy. The game is scheduled to take place at the Bogambara Stadium today.

Royal made a bold start to their campaign, brushing aside Thurstan College with an emphatic 70-plus point victory. Known for their powerful forwards and structured gameplay, the Reid Avenue boys will be confident heading into this fixture. Royal is led by Amiga Samarasinghe and supported by Yuwan Pathirana and Idrees Farook. Head Coach Lewke is full of fire work as he handles the national forwards at the Asia Rugby Top 4 in Colombo.

Sumangala, despite losing their opener to Trinity College 49/15, impressed many with their fighting spirit and phases of structured rugby. Players like Samarakoon, Ifky, and Rathnayake stood out and will be key to mounting a challenge against the more fancied Royalists. Sumangala outfit is coached by former National youth player and Kingswoodian, Malith Hettiarachch.

Referee Nipuna Amarathunge will handle this encounter.

Antonians hosts St. Peter’s for Rectors Trophy

St. Anthony’s College will take on defending champions, St. Peter’s College today at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium. 

This encounter is expected to draw a large crowd despite of rain in the central area as the two sides gear up for a crucial Group A battle.

The Antonians, coming off a defeat to D.S. Senanayake in their opening encounter, will be determined to bounce back with a strong performance. Under the guidance of their new Head Coach, Saliya Kumara, the Katugastota outfit is showing signs of promise and cohesion. Key players such as Kalpa Lakmina, Yohan Kingston, Vimukthi Kodikara, and Chandra Galapitage will be vital if the Antonians are to challenge the reigning champions.

St. Peter’s, meanwhile, survived a tense opening game against Ananda College and will aim to build momentum. Coached by the highly experienced Sanath Martis, the Peterites bring a structured and fast-paced game, with a talented squad capable of turning matches in their favour. They are led by national youth player, Vishenka Silva and well supported by Co-Vice Captains Emith Jayaweera and Shenuka Perera.

The match will be officiated by Gihan Yatawara

Isipathana face tough challenge against Kingswood in the Hills

Isipathana College will be in Central Hills for a high-stake clash against Kingswood College on 15 June at the Bogambara Stadium. 

The Green Machine had a shaky start in their opening encounter but managed to edge out Mahanama College in a tense finish. Led by the dynamic Thrinethra Dodangoda, Isipathana will look to tighten their game as they prepare for what could be their toughest outing this season. Key contributions are once again expected from Vice-Captain Shaakib Zumri and sharp-thinking scrum half Sithupa Bometh both instrumental in their opening win.

Kingswood College, on the other hand, will be eyeing redemption after narrowly losing to S. Thomas’ College by a single point in their opening fixture at Mount Lavinia. Playing at home in front of their passionate supporters, Kingswood will be determined to bounce back. Captain Thavisha Ekanayake leads a well-balanced outfit with key players like Riven Shasen, Sadew Amarasooriya, Akila Dilshan, and playmaker Sachintha Samantha adding depth and structure.

The match will be officiated by experienced, Ishanka Abeykoon

In the other games played on 14 June in week 2 will see Gutsy Ananda hosting Science outfit at Rajagiriya which will be officiated by Tharindu Perera.

Mahanama will host Rajans at Ratmalana Air Force ground which Kelum Sandaruwan will be the referee.

Joes vs Thurstan at Longdon Place will be officiated by Nalin Lasantha.

Thomians will host Zahira at Mount Lavinia with Jeewaka Fonseka handling the whistle.

On 15 June D.S. will host Wesley at Longdon Place with Raveen Alexander getting his opportunity to officiate the encounter. (SJ)