The final week of the first round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 kicks off tomorrow (23rd May). The stakes could not be higher as teams battle for their place in the Cup segment, while others look to secure crucial points to carry forward into the next round. Let’s take a closer look at the games and see what’s at stake.
St. Peter’s College vs Wesley College
We kick things off at Bambalapitiya with a massive fixture. Both teams have already sealed their place in the Cup segment and will be desperate for bragging rights while keeping their unbeaten records intact. More importantly, they’ll be pushing for valuable points to carry forward into the next round.
Both teams will be missing a couple of their key players in Nethshan Manthusha and Pawan Thiranagama. The Peterites will need to tighten up their set pieces after they nearly cost them against Ananda last week, while this could be the ideal moment for this Wesley outfit to hit top form as we head into the business end of the season.
Prediction – St. Peter’s College win
St. Joseph’s College vs Prince of Wales College
With both teams’ positions for the second round already confirmed, the stakes in this fixture are much lower. Expect to see some rotation and experimentation from both camps.
The Josephians head into this one as firm favourites.
Prediction – St. Joseph’s College win
Ananda College vs Mahanama College
This fixture has produced a few nail-biters over the past few seasons. However, since their promotion back into the top division, both teams seem to have gone on opposite trajectories, making the Maroons favourites.
That said, you can’t count out Mahanama, who will be riding high after securing their first win of the season last week.
Prediction – Ananda College win
D.S. Senanayake College vs Lumbini College
Another important fixture for both teams in terms of the points they’ll carry forward into the Bowl segment. The Dons simply haven’t hit the mark this season and will fancy their chances against a newly promoted side.
However, it won’t be easy against a resilient Lumbini outfit that has improved with every passing game.
Prediction – D.S. Senanayake College win
St. Anthony’s College vs Sri Sumangala College
Two teams already confirmed to be in the Plate segment, and two teams that have gone in opposite directions as the season has progressed.
Sri Sumangala have lost two on the bounce after a strong start, while the Eagles are finally gathering momentum after winning their last two games. It’s safe to say that momentum and superior forward power place the favourites tag on the Antonians.
Prediction – St. Anthony’s College win
Zahira College vs Thurstan College
Now onto the group of death.
Both teams will be hurting after suffering defeats last week in games they would have expected to win. A win for Zahira would send them straight through to the Cup segment, while Thurstan College could do their neighbours a favour with a win of their own.
With the Thurstanites already confirmed to play in the Plate segment, there’s more at stake for the Zahirians, who will be expected to push for victory and keep their fate in their own hands.
Prediction – Zahira College win
Royal College vs S. Thomas’ College
The Michael Gunaratne Trophy won’t be the only thing up for grabs at the Complex on Saturday, as the loser of this game could potentially miss out on the Cup segment – a huge blow for either side.
Based on momentum and current form, the Thomians come into this game as favourites and will be chasing their first win in this series since 2016. However, Royal have always had a knack for turning up on the big occasions, and this is arguably their biggest game of the season so far.
Prediction – Royal College win
Kingswood College vs Science College
The stakes are high in this one too, especially for Science College. A bonus-point win could see them make their way into the Plate segment if other results go their way.
A win for the Randles Hill boys would send both teams into the Bowl segment, with Kingswood carrying forward those crucial points.
Prediction – Science College win
Isipathana College vs Trinity College
We close out the first round on Sunday with another top-of-the-table clash, this time from Group 1A.
Having been in cruise control from the outset, this will be Trinity’s toughest challenge yet against an Isipathana outfit that has continued to improve since their disappointing knockout exit.
The Green Machine will have home-ground advantage, and if conditions in Colombo remain wet and windy, their forwards could have a telling impact by starving Trinity of possession. The battle on the touchline will be one to watch as well.
Trinity College are favourites on paper, but don’t be surprised if this one goes the other way.
Prediction – Trinity College win
Will we see results that blow the Plate and Bowl segments wide open? And who will take those precious points and bragging rights into the next round?
Tune in to Sri Lanka’s Number 1 Sports Channel to find out. All games go live at 3:45 PM and kick off at 4:15 PM.
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