The Dialog Schools Rugby League kicked off in grand fashion with St. Anthony’s College Kandy taking on D.S. Senanayake College in what was also the inaugural edition of the Alles Cup.
The opening exchanges saw both sides displaying attacking intent, creating opportunities inside the opposition half. However, handling errors and poor decision making in key areas particularly from the Antonians meant early chances went begging.
It was D.S. Senanayake who eventually broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. A well executed move saw Thimothy Jinthula pierce through the Antonian defense to score under the posts. Thatheera Perera made no mistake with the conversion, giving the Dons an early 7-0 lead. (DSS 07-00 SACK)
Eight minutes later, D.S.Senanayake won a penalty and opted to kick to touch, gaining valuable territory close to the Antonian whitewash. From the ensuing lineout, they executed a textbook maul that ended with hooker Praveen Lakmal powering over for their second try. The conversion attempt went astray. (DSS 12-00 SACK)
Despite being reduced to 14 men, St. Anthony’s showed a sudden burst of urgency around the 29th minute. A flowing move involving Deshan, Lakmina, and Randeer Perera opened up the Senanayakian defense, setting up Yohan Gunawardana to finish off a brilliant team try. Lakmina added the extras to cut the deficit to 12-7. (DSS 12-07)
The Antonians came close to striking again just before halftime but were denied by a handling error after making it into the opposition 22. The teams went into the break with D.S. Senanayake holding the momentum and a narrow lead.
Half Time – D.S Senanayake 12-07 St.Anthony’s
The second half began with the Dons dominating possession. Although they struggled initially to turn pressure into points, their patience paid off around the 50 minute mark. A well worked move saw captain Lankesh Wickremasinghe crash over for their third try, which was successfully converted by Perera. (DSS 19-07 SACK)
In the 60th minute, St. Anthony’s responded with a quick tap off a penalty just five meters out, allowing Vimukthi Kodikara to dive over for their second try. Lakmina failed to add the extras. (DSS 19-12 SACK)
Not long after, Dons struck what would prove to be the decisive blow. Another penalty allowed them to kick into the Antonians’ 22. From the resulting lineout, their powerful maul proved unstoppable once again, and Praveen Lakmal bagged his second try of the match. Thatheera Perera slotted the conversion, taking the Dons to a 26-12 lead. (DSS 26-12 SACK)
St. Anthony’s, refusing to go down quietly, launched a spirited comeback. A sensational solo effort by Kalapa Lakmina brought them back within seven points, and with minutes remaining, the Antonians mounted a thrilling final attack. They surged 50 to 60 meters up field with flair and purpose, igniting hope among their supporters. But as they entered the DSS 22, a heartbreaking knock-on brought an end to the game. (DSS 26-19 SACK)
With this hard-fought 26-19 win, D.S. Senanayake College sealed their third consecutive victory over St. Anthony’s and claimed the Alles Cup in its inaugural edition.
Full Time: D.S Senanayake 26 (4T,3C) St. Anthony’s 19 (3T,2C)
Swistek Player of the match: Praveen Lakmal (DSS)
Point Scorers
D.S Senanayake – Praveen Lakmal (2T), Thimothy Jinthula (1T), Lankesh Wickramasinghe (1T), Thatheera Perera (3C)
St.Anthony’s – Yohan Gunawardane (1T), Vimukthi Kodikara (1T), Kalpa Lakmina (1T,2C)
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