Week 8 of the Dialog Schools Rugby League delivered high drama, standout performances, and major shifts in momentum. Trinity College continued their unbeaten run with a commanding victory over Isipathana at Pallekelle, further strengthening their grip on the championship. Wesley College pulled off a stunning victory by defeating Royal College on their home turf for the first time since 2005. Meanwhile, S. Thomas’ College edged past a resilient St. Peter’s side in a tense battle at the Big Club Grounds. The Plate segment also kept fans entertained with some thrilling and competitive rugby, proving that the intensity runs deep across all tiers of the league. With only a few games remaining, Week 9 promises to be a pivotal round, one that could provide the clearest indication yet of who will emerge as league champions.
Redemption in Pallekelle: Trinity Outclass Isipathana 32-10
At Pallekelle, Trinity College continued their unbeaten run with a commanding 32-10 victory over Isipathana College, a performance that served as both a statement and revenge after their loss to the Green Machine in this season’s knockout final. Trinity showcased why they are arguably the most well-rounded team in the league, blending dynamic forward play, slick backline moves, and a precise kicking game. Their defense was clinical throughout, effectively shutting down Isipathana’s attack. The visitors also suffered a blow when one of their players was shown a red card, further tilting the momentum in Trinity’s favor. Isipathana’s league hopes take a back seat now as they have lost twice this season. They will be taking on St. Peters College who are coming off back to back losses at Bambalapitiya, while the Lions face off against the mighty Double Blues who will be travelling to the Lions den with all the confidence in the world after their victory against the Royal Tuskers.
Wesley Stun Royal at Jurassic Park, Ending Royals Title Hopes
Wesley College made history at Royal College Sports Complex, famously dubbed Jurassic Park, by defeating Royal 24-17 in a thrilling Week 8 clash, marking their first win on Royal soil since 2005. The win not only further cemented Wesley’s credentials as serious title contenders but also shattered Royal’s hopes of reclaiming the league crown. Wesley’s electric backline lit up the early stages with sharp line breaks, while their tactical kicking kept Royal on the back foot throughout. Indiscipline proved costly for the home side, who conceded crucial late penalties and received two yellow cards that swung the momentum firmly in Wesley’s favor. Looking ahead to Week 9, Wesley will travel to Kandy to face the unbeaten Trinity Lions in what promises to be a blockbuster showdown. Royal, meanwhile, will look to salvage pride and retain the Michael Gunaratne Trophy for a 9th consecutive year when they take on their arch-rivals S. Thomas’ College in Mount Lavinia, a game that could have major implications on the title race.
Thomians Rally to Edge St. Peter’s in Thriller at Big Club Grounds
At the Big Club Grounds, S. Thomas’ College pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat St. Peter’s College 28-26 and win the Archibald Perera Trophy. Trailing 14-0 early on, the Thomians weathered the storm and gradually found their rhythm, using their powerful forwards with ruthless efficiency to punch holes in the Peterite defense. Once they established momentum, their backs capitalized with clinical execution, turning pressure into points. Despite a late surge from St. Peter’s, who scored two tries in the dying minutes, it was once again a case of too little, too late for the Peterites, marking their second consecutive narrow defeat.
Plate Battle Heats Up as Joes and DS Shine in Week 8
The Plate segment of the Dialog Schools Rugby League continued to deliver thrilling contests, with St. Joseph’s College and D.S. Senanayake College leading the charge for Plate glory. In Week 8, the Joes produced a dominant display to beat Zahira College 29-15, effectively knocking the Tankers out of Plate contention. D.S. Senanayake kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought 26-19 win over Sri Sumangala, showing grit and composure under pressure. Meanwhile, Kingswood College bounced back to winning form with a 22-16 victory over Ananda College in another closely contested battle. With just a couple of rounds remaining, the race for the Plate is far from over.
As Week 8 closes, the Dialog Schools Rugby League stands on the edge of a thrilling crescendo. Trinity’s dominance, Wesley’s resilience, and the fierce battles between arch-rivals have set the stage for an electrifying Week 9, a round that promises to deliver unforgettable moments and could very well decide the ultimate champion. With pride, legacy, and the coveted trophies all hanging in the balance, the next chapter of this gripping rugby saga is not to be missed. Fans and players alike brace for a weekend where every tackle, try, and tactical play will count in the fight for glory.
