The historic grounds of Bogambara Stadium played host to a crowning moment this weekend as Kingswood College roared to glory, officially claiming the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 Bowl Championship. In a pulse-pounding, back-and-forth thriller that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Kingswood edged out D.S. Senanayake College in a 38-34 barnburner. This gritty victory served as the ultimate statement of intent, clinching the championship title with an entire match to spare.
While a final showdown against Lumbini College still looms on the horizon, the pressure is off. Thanks to their unwavering dominance throughout the campaign, the Kingswood squad has already secured its place at the summit. The silverware is firmly in their hands, and the celebrations in Kandy have only just begun.
The atmosphere at Bogambara was electric from the outset as both teams sought to dictate terms in what turned out to be a pulsating contest. D.S. Senanayake College signalled their intent early when hooker Praveen Lakmal powered over the try line in just the fifth minute of play. Although the conversion attempt drifted wide of the uprights, the visitors established an early 5-0 lead and put the home side on the back foot. (KCK 00 – 05 DSSC)
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Kingswood initially struggled to find their rhythm, even missing a penalty opportunity that could have reduced the deficit. However, they quickly recovered and turned the tide. In the 12th minute, Imad Jhan sliced through the defensive line with clinical precision to score a superb try. Shamith Safraz added the conversion, shifting momentum in favour of the hosts and handing them a 7-5 advantage. (KCK 07 – 05 DSSC)
The Colombo outfit refused to be silenced and responded with impressive tactical play to regain control. They crossed the whitewash in the 18th minute to reclaim the lead, before Yasanda Ravindra further extended the advantage five minutes later. With the conversion successful on that occasion, D.S. Senanayake looked comfortable with a 17-7 lead as the game moved towards the interval. (KCK 07 – 17 DSSC)
However, Kingswood demonstrated the resilience that has defined their championship-winning campaign. Menusha Marasinghe ignited the fightback in the 30th minute with a crucial try, and captain Sachitha Naweesha capitalised on a sweeping attacking movement on the stroke of half-time to score again. Shamith Safraz was flawless with both conversion attempts, ensuring the hosts headed into the break with a narrow 21-17 lead. (KCK 21 – 17 DSSC)
Half Time: Kingswood College 21 (3T, 3C) – 17 (3T, 1C) D.S. Senanayake College
The second half delivered even more drama as both sides battled fiercely for supremacy. D.S. Senanayake struck first after the restart when Perera crossed over in the 46th minute while Kingswood were temporarily reduced to 14 players due to a disciplinary infringement. Although the conversion was missed, the visitors edged ahead 22-21. (KCK 21 – 22 DSSC)
Drawing on their championship grit, the home side responded with remarkable resilience.
The match evolved into a physical war of attrition as both packs battled relentlessly at the breakdown, desperate to secure possession for their respective backlines. Kingswood, buoyed by the vocal support of their home crowd, maintained their composure under intense defensive pressure. Every phase was contested with ferocious intensity, reflecting the significance of the occasion.
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As the tension mounted, the tactical ingenuity of the Kingswood coaching staff became increasingly apparent. The hosts orchestrated a series of fluid attacking movements that stretched the D.S. Senanayake defence and created valuable opportunities. The visitors, equally determined, executed a disciplined territorial game in an effort to pin Kingswood deep inside their own half, forcing the hosts to rely on their defensive cohesion to withstand the mounting pressure.
As the final minutes approached, Shamith Safraz coolly slotted a penalty to extend the lead and provide his side with a valuable cushion. (KCK 38 – 22 DSSC)
D.S. Senanayake continued to battle until the final whistle, crossing for a try in the 61st minute before adding another converted effort in the closing stages. Ultimately, the comeback proved too little, too late, as the Kingswood defensive wall held firm against the late onslaught.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 38-34 victory and with it, the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 Bowl Championship. It was a fitting reward for a Kingswood side that has displayed consistency, resilience, and quality throughout the season. With the title already secured and one match still to play, the lads from Kandy can savour a well-deserved triumph. (KCK 38 – 34 DSSC)
Full Time: Kingswood College 38 (6T, 4C, 1P) – 34 (6T, 2C) D.S. Senanayake College
Points Breakdown
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Menusha Marasinghe (Kingswood College, Kandy)
Kingswood College – 38
Imad Jhan – 1T, Menusha Marasinghe – 2T, Sachitha Naweesha – 2T Shamith Shafraz – 1T, 4C, 1P
D.S. Senanayake College – 34
Praveen Lakmal – 1T , Damindu Senarathne – 1T, Yasanda Ravinra – 3T, Thatheera Perera – 1T, 2C
