A Late comeback by D.S Senanayake College secured a narrow 22 points to 18 win over Ananda College outfit in their third-week clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at the Ananda College grounds.
The hosts, Ananda College, started the game strongly, dominating possession and territory as D.S. Senanayake College struggled defensively. Their shaky backline was exposed when a clearance kick from playmaker Rasindu Bandara was charged down by Pramil Kirigalbodage, who swiftly pounced on the loose ball to score the opening try. Deneth Chamuditha added the extras with a successful conversion.
(AC 07–00 DSSC)
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The early setback jolted DS into action. Taking advantage of repeated Ananda infringements, they camped inside the opposition territory and were twice held up over the line. Eventually, a piercing break from Praveena Lakmal opened up space, and powerful tighthead prop Thimath Bogahawattha bulldozed over to score. Tatheera Perera converted to level the scores.
(AC 07–07 DSSC)
Ananda responded with a penalty from Chamuditha after DS conceded at the breakdown, regaining a narrow lead.
(AC 10–07 DSSC)
Just before halftime, DS launched a well-executed forward-driven attack, patiently building phases deep in Ananda’s half. Awarded a penalty in a kickable position, they opted to keep the ball in hand. Lock Demika Mindinu broke through with a powerful carry, crashing over for a try. Perera’s conversion gave DS a slender lead heading into the break.
Half Time: Ananda College 10 (1T, 1C, 1P) – D.S. Senanayake College 14 (2T, 2C)
The second half began with fireworks. Rasindu Bandara sliced through Ananda’s defensive line, only to be denied a certain try by a heroic hold-up tackle from Deneth Chamuditha in the in-goal area. Minutes later, Chamuditha punished DS again—slotting a penalty following a spilled high ball and a breakdown infringement, narrowing the gap to just one point.
(AC 13–14 DSSC)
Ananda stuck to their aerial tactics, targeting DS’s vulnerability under the high ball. Sustained pressure allowed their forwards to gain meters in close quarters, and Kirigalbodage powered over for his second try to reclaim the lead. Chamuditha missed the conversion, but Ananda were back in front.
(AC 18–14 DSSC)
With ten minutes remaining, DS struck back. Bandara broke through once again, and quick ball movement across the field ended with Thenula De Silva scoring in the corner. Perera’s missed conversion left the gap at just one point, but DS weren’t done yet. In the final stages, DS skillfully held onto possession, winding down the clock. Their efforts were rewarded with a penalty, which Perera calmly slotted over to secure a hard-fought, scrappy win for the Donz.
Full Time: Ananda College 18 (2T,1C,2P) – D.S Senanayake College 22 (3T,2C,1P)
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Rasindu Bandara (D.S Senanayake College)
Points Breakdown
Ananda College 18
Pramil Kirigalbodage 2T, Deneth Chamuditha 1C,2P
D.S Senanayake College 22
Thimath Bogahawattha 1T, Demika Mindinu 1T, Thenula De Silva 1T, Tatheera Perera 2C,1P
