Unbeaten Trinity eye League glory, Wesley aim to spoil Lions party

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 Cup segment enters its penultimate week with a blockbuster clash between unbeaten Trinity College and second-placed Wesley College at Pallekele today.

Trinity, with seven wins from seven matches and a maximum 18 points, are just one win away from sealing the league title and ending a 38-year drought. Under the guidance of coach Fazil Marija, the Lions have shown consistency, flair and composure, dominating their opposition week after week.

Their opponents, Wesley College, have had an impressive campaign themselves, sitting second with 12 points. Apart from a narrow defeat to Isipathana, the Double Blues have played expansive, structured rugby and will pose a serious challenge to Trinity.

This clash is effectively a league decider. A win with bonus point for Trinity will all but secure the title, while a Wesley victory will throw the title race wide open with just one week remaining, bringing Thomians too in, provided they win their Royal encounter on the same day at Mount Lavinia.

Trinity will look to their powerful forward pack and dynamic backs to continue their unbeaten run. Captain and Centre, Usmaan Safraz, has been outstanding, with ample support coming from his three quarters and mobile forwards who are lightning-fast movers on the loose ball. Lions got some outstanding players in the starting line-up such as Shan Althaf, Udan Wijekoon, Nisith Kumarasinghe, Hamza Abdeen and Minula Yaddelige.

Wesley, on the other hand, are buoyed by their stunning upset over Royal and will be eager to prove they belong among the top contenders. Led by Sandul Gamanpilla, who returns after a brief illness, will add power to the forwards, and his leadership qualities will be vital for the team coached by Terence Henry. Wesley has never won the League in their rugby history. Other top-ranked players from Double Blues are Abdul Haadhi, Naham Hemachandra and Mohamed Pawas.

Referee Raveen Alexander will officiate this title-deciding encounter.

In the other key contest, S. Thomas’ and Royal College will renew their historic rivalry in the 73rd Michael Gunaratne Trophy encounter at Mount Lavinia. The Thomians, sitting third with 12 points, remain in the title hunt and will aim to outplay Royal, who have had a mixed season and are already out of contention.

Michael Gunaratne was a pioneering Sri Lankan entrepreneur whose family’s deep ties to Royal College and S. Thomas’ College inspired a timeless gesture of gratitude. The Michael Gunaratne Trophy, first introduced in 1962, celebrates the fierce rugby rivalry between the two schools. Donated by his children, the trophy honours their father’s legacy and pays homage to the institutions that shaped their own paths to success.

Over the decades, Royal has dominated the series, winning 41 out of 67 matches, while S. Thomas’ has claimed 20 victories, with 6 draws from the inception of the encounters between these two schools. Memorable moments include Royal’s record-breaking 5/0 win in 2018 under Sabith Feroze leadership, and S. Thomas’ last triumph in 2016, led by Naveen Henakankanamage.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon will blow this encounter.

In another vital clash, defending league champions St. Peter’s College hosts Isipathana College at Bambalapitiya. Both sides have two losses and are aiming to finish strong. A win here could push either team into the fourth spot. Out of the 50 games played so far, Isipathana are leading the tally with 25 wins to St. Peter’s College 22 wins, while 3 games were drawn.

With high stakes and intense rivalries on display, this weekend promises a thrilling round of Schools Rugby.

Referee Gihan Yatawara will control this encounter.