Trinity prove prowess; beat Isipathana 32/10

Trinity flanker Nisith Kumarasinghe on an attack with support coming in from his skipper Safraz Usmaan 

– Pic courtesy thepapare.com

By Shamseer Jaleel

Trinity College continued their dream run in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, delivering a commanding 32/10 win over defending Knock-Out champions, Isipathana College in front of a packed and appreciative crowd at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele on Saturday.

This Trinity win against the Greens came after the year 2017 at Pallekele.

The result sees Lions firmly atop the Cup segment standings with maximum points. With just two more home games remaining against Wesley and St. Peter’s, they will need just one win to secure the title outright, ending a 38 year old wait since their last league win was in 1987 under dynamic Tyrel Rajapakse who took the outfit to remain unbeaten in both The League and Knock out plus their try line was crossed only once the whole season.

From the kickoff, Trinity asserted dominance. Flanker, Hamza Abdeen opened the scoring in the fourth minute, followed by a penalty and try by Fly half, Shan Althaf who scored 17 points in this encounter. Trinity played some top class running rugby by their skipper, Safraz Usmaan, Udan Wijekoon, Minula Yaddelige, Hamza Abdeen and Abdul Malik.

Though Isipathana responded with tries from their full back, Nimantha Sandeepa in either half, the visitors were dealt a major blow when their No8, Shakib Zumri received a Red Card very early in the second half put the game to an end for the Greens. Their scrum half, Sithupa Bometh played a grand game for the Greens.

Trinity capitalised with further tries through their attacking star winger, Minula Yaddehige and replacement forward, Dinal Thomas too, touching down a try each.

Coached by former national star and rugby legend, Fazil Marija, this Trinity outfit has been relentless, showing structure, fitness, and flair for running rugby, no difference between their forwards and three quarters throughout the season. With their destiny in their own hands, Trinity College now stands on the verge of history.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon had a grand outing with the whistle.

Thomians edge past Peterites to secure Archibald Perera Trophy win

S. Thomas’ College delivered a thrilling second-half comeback to edge out St. Peter’s College 28/26 in a pulsating Cup Segment clash and claimed the prestigious Archibald Perera Trophy win at Mount Lavinia last weekend. With this win by Thomians put them firmly in contention for the league title, alongside unbeaten Trinity and gritty Wesley outfit as well. 

In a tightly contested encounter, both teams scored four tries each. Thomians, however, made all their conversions count through Mayanka Dias who also contributed a try and played a vital role in their attacking rhythm. At halftime, the game was evenly poised at 14 a piece after the Peterites had taken a 14/0 lead through early tries from Senuk Dimsara and  Januth Rathnayake.

But the Thomians bounced back through Udan Bulathsinghalage and Chanukah Eheliyagoda, both converted by Dias.

After the short breather, Thomians struck twice more, including a brilliant solo try from Dias, stretching their lead to 28/14.

The Peterites fought back gallantly, scoring two tries despite being reduced to 14 men after fullback Revon Perera was Red carded. Shenuka Perera scored his second try which brought the lads from Bambalapitiya within striking range but it was too late as they ran out of time in the end.

Referee was Jeewaka Fonseka.

Wesley stun Royal 24/17

Wesley College produced a stunning performance to defeat Royal College 24/17 in a thrilling Inter-Schools Under-19 League Rugby Cup Championship encounter at the Royal Sports Complex.

At the short breather Wesley led 7/5.

The double blues displayed grit and determination to outplay one of the tournament favourites with a display of structured, fast-paced rugby. They scored 4 tries and 2 conversions while managing 3 tries and one conversion. This second defeat for Royal put them out of contention for the league.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams scoring a try each but squandering several opportunities. 

This victory is a massive boost for Wesley’s campaign, reaffirming their credentials as genuine title contenders while halting Royal’s momentum dramatically.

In the other Plate encounter during the weekend, Joes scored a bonus point win over Zahira 29/15 at Longdon Place.

Antonians continued their winning streak and momentum with a 48/31 at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium. With this defeat Vidyartha’s fate in the league looks really bad and they along with Rajans are tipped to be demoted to lower division in 2026 unless they pull off their last two encounters.

Science and Mahanama encounter ended in a 31 a piece draw at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Plate encounter looks poised with Joes and Kingswood top contenders while Antonians looks certain to win the Bowl segment this year.