Wesley end defending champions Peterites’ unbeaten run

By Shamseer Jaleel

Week 4 of the Schools Rugby Under-19 League delivered high drama and milestone moments across Colombo and Kandy last weekend. 

The pick of the four games was the one at Havelock Park when Wesley ended an eight-year hoodoo over the defending champions, St. Peter’s College, while Royal, Isipathana, Trinity, and Ananda all recorded vital victories as the season’s first round nears its conclusion. After the completion of Week 4, only Isipathana, Trinity, Royal, Wesley, and Thomians remain unbeaten so far in Round 1.

Wesley’s 23/5 triumph at Havelock Park was more than just a win. The Double Blues last beat St. Peter’s in 2017. Led by Sandul Gammanpila, they played some outstanding rugby that the Bambalapitiya lads never expected.

Wesley, coming into the game, were clear underdogs facing the defending League champions but from the first whistle, Wesley’s forwards laid the platform with ferocious carry and accurate defensive reads, shattering time and again into the Peterite defence. At the short breather, Wesley led 8/0.

Wesley under Gammanpila beat St. Peter’s after 2017 (26-17) under Avantha Lee and Denister Goonetilleke. Incidentally, it was also the first father-son duo to lead a Wesley Rugby team to beat St. Peter’s as Captains. Asanka Gammanpila did so in 1998 and his son Sandul Gammanpila did it last Saturday.

Referee Kelum Sandaruwan handled the game.

Kingswood register hard-fought win against Mahanama

Kingswood College secured a hard-fought 27/17 victory over Mahanama College in their Schools Under-19 Rugby League clash at the Bogambara Stadium last evening.

At the short breather, the winners led 20/7.

From the first whistle, Kingswood’s pack imposed their physicality, winning the early collisions and setting a dominant tone in the forwards.

Maduranga Pushpakumara, the burly No. 8, proved unstoppable, crashing over for a hat-trick of tries for Kingswood.

Menusha Marasinghe added a crucial fourth try, which earned the much-needed bonus point. Rivan Bawdeen’s 30-metre penalty and one conversion extended Kingswood’s cushion, while debutant Rusith Thamodya slotted a conversion.

Mahanama’s Deshan Avishka and Sithupa Fernando responded with two well-worked tries, both expertly converted by Sithum Rathnayake, who also put over a penalty for the Colombo outfit.

Despite the visitors’ spirited comeback, Kingswood’s defensive line speed and disciplined tackling in the 22 held firm against late pressure.

Referee Jeewaka Fonseka managed the game.

Royal beat Vidyartha

At the Royal College Sports Complex, the home side weathered early pressure to post a 29/7 win over Vidyartha College. Five-try heroics by Royal’s backline showed their attacking depth, while a polished forward effort suffocated Vidyartha’s attempted counters. Credit should go to Vidyartha as they put up a brave effort holding a powerful Royal outfit 7/12.

The Referee was Nalin Lasantha.

Isipathana beat Zahira

Isipathana College edged Zahira College 38/27 at Maradana in a pulsating encounter. Six tries and four conversions underlined the Greens’ clinical edge, though Zahira’s four-try haul and a penalty kick kept them within striking distance until the final minutes.

The Referee was Raveen Alexander.

Trinity beat Joes

Unbeaten Trinity College continued their road-warrior run with a 29/7 victory over St. Joseph’s at Longdon Place. 

The Lions’ bonus-point first half, featuring four devastating line breaks, set the tone. Despite Joes’ spirited second-half try, Trinity’s defensive discipline held firm. Trinity scored four tries and the running rugby made the difference of the evening.

Referee Gihan Yatawara controlled the game.

Ananda overcome Anthony’s

At Nittawela, Ananda College secured a 30/27 victory over St. Anthony’s, sealing their second win of the campaign and boosting confidence ahead of the Plate segment. Three tries, three conversions, and three penalties highlighted their balanced attack and composure under pressure. 

At the short breather, Antonians led 20/13.

Referee Aruna Shantha controlled the game in the Central Hills.

With these results, Wesley leapfrog into serious Cup-segment contention, while Royal and Trinity maintain momentum at the summit. Isipathana’s win keeps them on track for a top-four finish, and Ananda’s narrow success hints at their potential for some shocks in the Plate segment in Round 2.