The Dialog Schools Rugby Tournament 2026 reached an exhilarating climax at the Finals of the Chairman’s Trophy, where Maharagama Central College emerged victorious over Madina National School, Madawala in a breathtaking contest which was staged at the Royal College School Complex. In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, Maharagama Central secured a thrilling one-point victory, winning 20 – 19 after leading the first half 10 – 05, surviving a massive second-half comeback from the lads from Kandy.
The opening fifteen minutes were a display of end-to-end Rugby, filled with intensity and physicality, though neither side could trouble the scorers initially. The deadlock was finally broken by Maharagama Central following a series of disciplinary errors by Madina. After receiving a penalty for off-the-feet play at the five-meter mark, Maharagama opted for a tap. The huge prop forward, Akila Akash, displayed immense power to break through the defense and take the first blood of the game. (Maharagama 05 – 00 Madina)
Ten minutes later, Maharagama struck again. Advancing deep into Madina’s territory, they earned another penalty on the five-meter line, this time for a high tackle. While Madina expected a heavy forward drive and set up a packed defense, the Maharagama lads showed tactical awareness by spinning the ball wide to the three-quarters. They created an overlap effortlessly, allowing outside center Vihanga Sathruwan to cross the whitewash for their second try. (Maharagama 10 – 00 Madina)
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However, the game took a turn when the Maharagama side was reduced to 14 men due to a yellow card for dangerous play. Seizing the opportunity, Madina launched an assault at the brink of Half Time. Despite being a man down, Maharagama’s defense stood valiantly, but crucial errors near the try line invited pressure. Madina capitalised on a penalty for a high tackle near the line, executing a quick tap to plant their first try courtesy of Mohammed Rahmy. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful. (Maharagama 10 – 05 Madina)
The short whistle was followed by the unsuccessful conversion attempt and the lads from Maharagama went for the lemons with a lead but just of an unconverted try.
Half Time – Maharagama Central College 10 (2T) – Madina National School 05 (1T)
The second half began with Maharagama on the front foot once again. After advancing into Madina’s territory through a series of penalties, the nippy scrum-half, Jayawickrama, read the game perfectly. He took a quick tap and gained significant ground with magnificent sidestepping. The ball was then fed to loose-head prop Akila Akash, who once again took business into his own hands, bulldozing past a few defenders with pure power to score his second try. (Maharagama 15 – 05 Madina)
Maharagama continued to roar in attack, launching another fierce assault shortly after. Though they lost the ball near the try line, resulting in a scrum for Madina, the pressure paid off. Madina’s kicker took too long to clear the ball from the scrum, resulting in a fine block by Maharagama. The ball fortuitously landed on the Maharagama side, and Vihanga was on hand to easily cross for his second try. Surprisingly, the place kicker missed the conversion, marking four consecutive missed opportunities from the kicking tee. (Maharagama 20 – 05 Madina)
Just as the game seemed to be slipping away, the lads from Madina initiated a fierce counter-attack, moving the ball into the red zone. Without wasting time, the Madina warriors displayed a classic pick-and-drive strategy, with Mohammed Rahmy touching down to heat up the contest. K. F. Fazilan stepped up to nail the conversion, the first successful kick of the game by cutting the deficit. (Maharagama 20 – 12 Madina)
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With momentum shifting, Madina ramped up the intensity, swarming into opposition territory like a shiver of sharks smelling blood. Upon reaching the 22-meter area, they earned a penalty. Skipper M. S. A. Rahman took a quick tap and showed great determination to cross the whitewash under the posts. Fazilan added the easy conversion, bringing the score to 20 – 19 with just five minutes remaining on the clock. The Chairman’s Trophy final had truly lived up to its billing, going right down to the wire. (Maharagama 20 – 19 Madina)
In a nail-biting finale, Madina threw everything they had at Maharagama, creating a few half-chances. However, the Maharagama Central lads held their nerves, reacting with a solid defensive wall to prevent their opposition from scoring. As the long whistle blew, it was Maharagama Central College who celebrated, securing the coveted trophy after a well-fought and thrilling encounter where they ultimately proved they deserved to win.
Full Time – Maharagama Central College 20 (4T) – Madina National School 19 (3T, 2C)
Swisstek Player of the Match – Akila Akash (Maharagama CC)
Points Breakdown
Maharagama Central College – 20
Akila Akash 2T, Vihanga Sathruwan 2T,
Madina National School – 19
Mohammed Rahmy 2T, M. S. A. Rahman 1T, K .F. Fazilan 2C
