With the conclusion of the first round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026, Week 05 delivered crucial qualification battles, dramatic finishes and standout performances across the country. Trinity College and St. Peter’s College remained unbeaten, Zahira College booked their Super Round place, while Sri Sumangala College produced a stunning comeback win over St. Anthony’s College.
Zahira fight past Thurstan to reach super round
Zahira College produced a spirited display to secure a crucial 36 – 28 victory over Thurstan College and book their place in the Super Round. Shahib Ishan starred with a brace while Lisath Pathirana and Gani Scarp added vital tries in a thrilling contest. Thurstan stayed in the fight throughout through Yehan Anawarathne and Ahad Sallay, but Zahira’s second-half composure proved decisive.
Full Time: Zahira College 36 – 28 Thurstan College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Shahib Ishan (Zahira College)
>>Zahira Fight Past Thurstan to Reach Super Round
Trinity Lions outclass Isipathana to stay unbeaten
Trinity College delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Isipathana College 36 – 12 and remain unbeaten heading into the Super Round. The forwards laid the platform through dominant mauling play, while Skipper Shan Althaf and Dimath Ambepitiya led the attacking charge. Isipathana showed glimpses through Nimantha Sandeepa, but Trinity controlled the game with structure and physicality.
Full Time: Trinity College 36 – 12 Isipathana College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Udan Wijekoon (Trinity College)
>>Trinity Lions Outclass Isipathana to Stay Unbeaten
Joes finish first round in style against Cambrians
St. Joseph’s College produced a strong second-half performance to overpower Prince of Wales’ College 41 – 10 at Longdon Place. Sathira Gunathileka led the way with two tries, while Skipper Inosh Silva and Shanelka Cooray added to the scoring as the Josephians finished the first round on a high. Prince of Wales’ showed fight throughout, particularly through their rolling maul, but the Joes proved too clinical.
Full Time: St. Joseph’s College 41 – 10 Prince of Wales’ College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Sathira Gunathileka (St. Joseph’s College)
Sri Sumangala produce stunning comeback to shock Antonians
Sri Sumangala College produced one of the comebacks of the season, overturning a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat St. Anthony’s College 33 – 24 in Pallekele. Pasindu Bandara and Pasindu Samarakoon inspired the remarkable turnaround as Sumangala dominated the closing stages. The Antonians controlled the first half through Raweshka Gunawardena and Daham Perera, but the visitors stormed back with relentless attacking Rugby.
Full Time: Sri Sumangala College 33 – 24 St. Anthony’s College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Pasindu Bandara (Sri Sumangala College)
Royal hold off Thomian fightback
Royal College survived a spirited second-half comeback from S. Thomas’ College to secure a thrilling 29 – 24 victory and confirm their Cup Segment place. Kavan Ekanayake starred with a brace while Akira Yatawara crossed twice for the Royalists. The Thomians fought back strongly through Michael Karunaratne and Rometh Wijesinghe, but Royal’s first-half dominance proved enough in the end.
Full Time: Royal College 29 – 24 S. Thomas’ College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Kavan Ekanayake (Royal College)
Kingswood register first win in thriller against Science
Kingswood College secured their first victory of the season with a thrilling 25 – 21 win over Science College at Pallekele. Menusha Marasinghe, Temash Thilakratne, and Shamith Shafraz crossed for the winners, while Shafraz also impressed with the boot. Science College stayed in contention throughout through Methun Senaratne, Oshada Fonseka, and Tharusha Gallage, but Kingswood held on in a tense finale.
Full Time: Kingswood College 25 – 21 Science College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Shamith Shafraz (Kingswood College)
Peterites survive Wesley scare to stay unbeaten
St. Peter’s College showed tremendous grit to edge Wesley College 17 – 13 in a tense contest despite being reduced to 14 men in the second half. Shenuka Perera and Lakindu Ranasinghe kept the hosts in the fight before Rashwin Sabar produced a sensational late try to seal victory. Wesley pushed the unbeaten Peterites all the way, but the hosts held firm under pressure.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 17 – 13 Wesley College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Rashwin Sabar (St. Peter’s College)
>>Heart-stopping finish as 14-man Peterites edge Wesley to stay Undefeated
Ananda Power Past Mahanama to Reach Plate Segment
Ananda College booked their place in the Plate Segment with a convincing 31 – 14 victory over Mahanama College in Rajagiriya. Deneth Chamuditha controlled the game brilliantly while Rehan Attanayake and Senuth Randinu added important tries. Mahanama showed resistance through Skipper Sithum Rathnayake, but Ananda’s forward dominance proved the difference.
Full Time: Ananda College 31 – 14 Mahanama College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Chathura Ariyawansa (Ananda College)
>>Hong Kong China break Sri Lanka hearts
D. S. Senanayake edge past relentless Lumbini
Ananda College booked their place in the Plate Segment with a convincing 31 – 14 victory over Mahanama College in Rajagiriya. Deneth Chamuditha controlled the game brilliantly while Rehan Attanayake and Senuth Randinu added important tries. Mahanama showed resistance through Skipper Sithum Rathnayake, but Ananda’s forward dominance proved the difference.
Full Time: D. S. Senanayake College 24 – 19 Lumbini College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Praveen Lakmal (D. S. Senanayake College)
