Ananda College produced a dominant display to defeat St. Benedict’s College and clinch the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2025 Premier Trophy in a thrilling final played at Havelock Park.
After a commanding Semi Final win, Ananda College took the field against St. Benedict’s College — who had come through a tense finish in their previous outing — with both sides vying for the coveted Premier Trophy.
It was the boys from Maradana who made the first breakthrough. A lineout near the 10-meter mark set the platform for a powerful rolling maul. Scrum-half Senuth Randinu then released the ball to centre Irusha Kaushal, who created space for playmaker Rehan Attanayake. With a sharp sidestep and quick acceleration, Attanayake sliced through the Bens’ defense to open the scoring.
Despite the early setback, St. Benedict’s hit back confidently. After working through a couple of forward phases, scrum-half Harisri Udayakumar switched play to the blindside, linking up with fly-half Thenuka Samarakoon. A quick pass to Revon Fernando allowed the winger to dive over and level the scores.
Ananda, feeling the pressure, responded immediately. Although a lineout was scrappy, they managed to retain possession and shift the ball wide. Crisp passes from Attanayake and Kaushal opened space for fullback Deneth Chamuditha, who fended off his opposite number Kevin Kannangara and dotted down for Ananda’s second try, which Attanayake converted.
Just before Half Time, St. Benedict’s looked to apply pressure through tactical kicking. Samarakoon launched a high ball, capitalising on Ananda’s earlier errors under the high ball. However, this time, Attanayake was solid under the catch and swiftly offloaded to Chamuditha, who again found space, beat multiple defenders and crossed the line for his second try, giving Ananda a healthy lead going into the break.
Half Time: St. Benedict’s College 05 (1T) – Ananda College 17 (3T,1C)
St. Benedict’s mounted a spirited second-half comeback, dominating both territory and possession in the opening 17 minutes. Despite their relentless attacking play, Ananda College’s defense stood strong, although they paid the price with two players sent to the sin bin. Eventually, No. 8 Nirosh Fernando powered over the line after a series of strong carries, reducing the deficit to just seven points and reigniting hopes for the Kotahena side.
Ananda, after absorbing wave after wave of pressure, looked vulnerable, especially with the Bens comeback gaining momentum. But at the hour mark, they were handed a lifeline when a Bens player was penalised for offside. Despite carrying a knock, Rehan Attanayake stepped up and coolly slotted a crucial three-pointer, giving his side some much-needed breathing room.
With time running out and the title within reach, Ananda College sealed the deal in style. Winger Nethusara Kodithuwakku fielded a clearance kick from Thenuka Samarakoon and charged forward. Drawing in three defenders, he offloaded brilliantly to fullback Deneth Chamuditha. With open space ahead, Chamuditha turned on the afterburners and outran the tiring Bens defense to score his hat-trick — securing the Premier Trophy for Ananda College in emphatic fashion.
Full Time: St. Benedict’s College 10 (2T) – Ananda College 25 (4T,1C,1P)
- Swisstek Player of the Match: Deneth Chamuditha (Ananda College)
Points Breakdown
St. Benedict’s College 10
Nirosh Fernando 1T, Revon Fernando 1T
Ananda College 25
Deneth Chamuditha 3T, Rehan Attanayake 1T,1C,1P
