St. Anthony’s College secured their first win of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 with a narrow but hard-fought 28-24 victory over Science College in their final first-round encounter, played at the Science College Grounds in Mount Lavinia.
Both teams entered the game still in search of their first win after a series of narrow defeats, setting up a high-stakes contest to end the round. Science College captain Dilruwan Perera kicked off proceedings, but it was the visitors who drew first blood.
Winger Yohan Gunawardena sparked the opening try with an incisive break from their own 22, slicing through the defense before offloading to Kalpa Lakmina, who finished the move under the posts and added the conversion himself. (SC 00–07 SACK)
Science responded swiftly through a strong forward-based buildup. Skipper Perera took a quick tap from a penalty and used quick footwork to sidestep the last defender and cross the line. He converted his own effort to level the score. (SC 07–07 SACK)
The Antonians struck again with a sharp midfield break from centre Randeer Perera, who linked up with winger Daham Darshana to bring play into the 5-meter zone. The forwards took over with a series of punishing carries before flanker Mohamed Thanish powered over. Lakmina made no mistake with the extras. (SC 07–14 SACK)
Half-time: Science College 07 (1T, 1C) – St. Anthony’s College 14 (2T, 2C)
St. Anthony’s carried their momentum into the second half. Winning a penalty near the posts, they opted for a scrum and executed it perfectly, with No. 8 Ravindu Gregory initiating the charge before tighthead prop Shevin Nethsara crashed over. Lakmina added the conversion to stretch the lead. (SC 07–21 SACK)
- Zahira College Crush Mahanama with 10-Try Blitz
- Late Blitz from Science Not Enough Against a Determined DS Outfit
- Gutsy Sri Lanka Fall Short as UAE Clinch Tight Win
- St. Peter’s Edge Out D.S. Senanayake
Science, however, were far from done. From a lineout, they built pressure through multiple phases, eventually earning a penalty. No. 8 Damitha Silva took a quick tap and bulldozed over, with Perera adding the conversion. (SC 14–21 SACK)
The momentum stayed with the hosts as they capitalized on a turnover. Centre Vimukthi Kodikara fumbled, allowing Minula Abeydeera to kick ahead. Rithnuka Dabare chased it down, pressuring Kalpa Lakmina into an error, and scooped up the loose ball to score. Perera’s conversion tied the game. (SC 21–21 SACK)
Science kept their foot on the pedal, winning a breakdown penalty, which Perera slotted through the uprights to give the home side the lead for the first time. (SC 24–21 SACK)
But a costly handling error gave the Antonians a scrum deep inside Science College territory. Dinuka Jayasundara’s powerful carry brought them within inches, and Shevin Nethsara finished the move with a crashing try to seal the bonus point. Lakmina remained perfect from the tee, converting once more to restore the lead. (SC 24–28 SACK)
Despite a late push from Science College, the visitors held firm in defense, closing out the game and finally earning their first win of the season.
Full Time: Science College 24 (3T,3C,1P) – St. Anthony’s College 28 (4T,4C)
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Kalpa Lakmina (St. Anthony’s College)
Points Breakdown
Science College 24
Damitha Silva 1T, Rithnuka Dabare 1T, Dilruwan Perera 1T,3C,1P
St. Anthony’s College 28
Mohamed Thanish 1T, Shevin Nethsara 2T, Kalpa Lakmina 1T,4C
