The stage is set for an exhilarating week as the Dialog Schools Rugby League enters its much-anticipated Championship Rounds. The top six teams, having proven their mettle through fierce competition, will now clash head-to-head for the coveted Cup Championship, a trophy that symbolizes ultimate school rugby excellence. Meanwhile, the next six teams won’t be left behind, battling it out in the Plate competition with pride and passion on full display. With every match carrying high stakes and school spirit at an all-time high, fans and players alike are bracing for a dramatic, unforgettable finale!
Wesley, Trinity & S. Thomas Enter the Championship Rounds Unbeaten
Wesley College, Trinity College, and S. Thomas’ College head into the Dialog Schools Rugby League Championship Rounds with unblemished records, stamping their authority as Championship favourites. Wesley completed their group stage in dominant fashion with a 43-11 victory over Ananda, maintaining a perfect 5-0 streak. Trinity impressed with a clinical 34-12 win over arch-rivals Royal, showcasing their power up front and flair in attack. The Thomians, meanwhile, kept pace with a strong 36-24 triumph over Isipathana, rounding off their campaign unbeaten. With all three schools riding high on momentum, the Championship Rounds promise to deliver thrilling showdowns as these unbeaten giants battle for the coveted Cup.
- Photos – Trinity College vs Royal College | Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 – Week 5
- Photos – Wesley College vs Ananda College | Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 – Week 5
- Photos – S. Thomas’ College vs Isipathana College | Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 – Week 5
Royal, St Peter’s & Isipathana Aim High After Single Defeats in League Stage
Royal College, St Peter’s College, and Isipathana College head into the Dialog Schools Rugby League Championship Rounds with just one loss each, underlining their strength and consistency throughout the league stage. Each defeat came against one of the unbeaten powerhouses in their respective groups, Royal falling 34-12 to Trinity, St Peter’s losing 23-05 to Wesley, and Isipathana going down 36-24 to S. Thomas. Despite those setbacks, all three teams showed resilience and quality in their remaining matches to secure spots in the top six. With the championship rounds set to begin, these one-loss teams remain serious contenders, eager to turn the tables and stake their claim for the coveted Cup.
The Double Blues will commence their road to glory this week against Isipathana College at Havelock Grounds. The boys from Campbell park have been amazing in defense throughout the competition and that will be put to the test when they take on the fierce Green Machine who have been spectacular in offense. Isipathana College will have to find a way to tighten up in defense if they want to keep their title dreams alive. Whilst the outcome of this exciting clash is tough to predict, there will be no doubt that Havelock Park will be packed with passionate fans hoping to see their Schoolboys move one step closer to clinching the title.
The Royalists will take on the defending champions St. Peters College at Bambalapitiya. With both teams having dropped one game each, they will be hungry as ever to get this crucial win under their belts. The Bamba Brigade have been the kryptonite of the Royal Tuskers in the recent past as they have managed to beat the Reid Avenue lads on every occasion since 2019. The Royalists will look to get their attack back on track after a lackluster performance against Trinity in their final group stage game. The Peterites will look to play a complete 70 minute, high intense game, something they have struggled with this season. Both sides cannot afford to lose this game as that will more than likely close the Championship door since these 2 schools have already lost a game already. Will the Peterites keep their Three-Peat hopes alive? or will The Tuskers break the Bamba Brigade and regain the coveted B.C. Anghie Trophy?
The Big Club Grounds will bear fruit to a clash between 2 unbeaten powerhouses as S. Thomas College host Trinity College in a historic encounter played for the prestigious Cannon R.S. De Saram Shield. Both sides faced off earlier this year in the Knockout Tournament where the Lions defeated the boys from Mt.Lavinia in a hard fought 17-11 tussle. The Thomians have been ruthless in attack throughout the season and have improved in defense week by week. The Trinitians who are the current holders of the shield, have been the most complete team this year, showcasing elite offense and masterful defense. Both sides will look to remain unbeaten as the winner of this game will strengthen their title chances greatly. It is going to be tough to bet against Trinity due to their all round brilliance this year, but will Home Field advantage swing the pendulum in the Thomians favour? We will have to wait and see.
Pride on the Line: Plate Championship Set for Fierce Showdowns
The Plate Championship of the Dialog Schools Rugby League kicks off this week with three thrilling fixtures as six determined teams vie for second-tier supremacy. St Joseph’s College opens the action against Kingswood College in what promises to be a hard-hitting contest between two physical sides. Ananda College steps onto the field to face Sri Sumangala College in a clash expecting agility and flair. Meanwhile, Zahira College and D.S. Senanayake College meet in a tightly matched encounter where tactical prowess could decide the winner. While these teams may have missed out on Cup contention, the Plate offers a final opportunity to showcase pride, claim silverware, and end the season on a high note. Fans can look forward to spirited performances, emerging talent, and closely contested battles from start to finish.
As the Dialog Schools Rugby League enters its decisive phase, every tackle, pass, and try will carry the weight of a season’s worth of preparation, passion, and pride. Whether it’s the fight for Cup supremacy among unbeaten juggernauts and hungry challengers, or the battle for Plate honours among resilient sides eager to prove a point, each game promises edge-of-the-seat drama. With fierce rivalries reignited, school colours worn with pride, and glory hanging in the balance, Sri Lanka’s rugby faithful are in for a week of unforgettable schoolboy rugby at its very best. The countdown to crowning champions is on and anything can happen.
