Thurstan College pulled off a major upset to launch their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 campaign, edging out favourites S. Thomas’ College 27 – 24 in a thrilling opener at Air Force Ground.
It took nearly fifteen minutes for the game to come alive, but once it did, the visitors seized their opportunity. A Thomian knock-on deep inside their own red zone was quickly punished as the ball was moved wide to Amindu Rajapaksha, who made a strong carry to breach the defence. From the ensuing ruck, fullback Theekshana Munasinghe showed great awareness and footwork, twisting past multiple defenders to power over for the opening try. (STC 00 – 05 TC)
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Thurstan College capitalised on the momentum soon after. Skipper Ahad Sallay broke through the Thomian line with a powerful run, setting the platform for a sustained forward assault. With the hosts penalised for not rolling away, Thurstan opted for the corner. From the lineout, a well-executed move saw No. 8 Jayathu Rasanjana control the play at the base before releasing the ball blindside. Drawing in the final defender, he created space for Tharinda Senarathna to dive over in the corner. (STC 00 – 10 TC)
S. Thomas’ College eventually found their rhythm, responding with a composed and patient attacking build-up. Working through multiple phases with both forwards and backs, hooker Eyan Pereira finished off the move with a powerful drive to reduce the deficit.(STC 05- 10 TC)
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However, Thurstan hit back almost immediately. Turning over a scrum, they launched a quick counter with a series of pick-and-drives that caught the Thomian defence off guard. Scrum-half Senath Perera then shifted the point of attack sharply, releasing Sallay, who broke through two defenders before sending Zaid Irshad over in the corner. (STC 05 – 15 TC)
With Half Time approaching, the Thomians knew they needed a response to stay in contention. Awarded a penalty near the 10-metre mark, winger Daren George took a quick tap and surged forward. After several phases close to the line, centre Zaydaan Akbar powered his way over to score a crucial try just before the break.
Half Time: S. Thomas’ College 10 (2T) – Thurstan College 15 (3T)
Thurstan College began the second half with purpose, controlling the early exchanges. Their pressure paid off in the 47th minute when a well-worked move from a centre scrum saw No. 8 Jayathu Rasanjana and scrum-half Senath Perera combine brilliantly. Executing a slick 8 – 9 move down the blindside, they released Amindu Rajapaksha, who sliced through a gap at pace to score in the corner and extend the lead. (STC 10 – 20 TC)
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S. Thomas’ College, however, responded with determination as they mounted a strong comeback. Playmaker Mayanka Dias took a quick tap and pierced through the Thurstan defence, carrying play deep into the red zone. The forwards then took charge with a series of powerful carries, beforeRomethWijesinghe forced his way over to keep the Thomians in the contest, with Dias adding the extras. (STC 17 – 20 TC)
Momentum shifted further as the Thomians struck again just minutes later. Their forwards laid the foundation with relentless pick-and-drive phases close to the line. Scrum-half Rico Piyarathna then moved the ball swiftly to Dias, who straightened the attack and delivered a well-timed pass to fullback Rehan Warnasuriya, who crossed over. Dias added the conversion to give S. Thomas’ the lead for the first time in the game. (STC 24 – 20 TC)
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With the clock winding down, Thurstan earned a crucial penalty and opted for the corner. From the resulting lineout, they executed a powerful rolling maul that drove deep into Thomian territory. Hooker Tharinda Senarathna then broke away at the right moment to dive over and seal the match. Akeesha Pushpakumara added the conversion, capping off a memorable and hard-fought victory for Thurstan College.
Full Time: S. Thomas’ College 24 (4T,2C) – Thurstan College 27 (5T,1C)
- Swisstek Player of the Match: Akeesha Pushpakumara (Thurstan College)
Points Breakdown
S. Thomas’ College – 24
Eyan Pereira 1T, Zaydaan Akbar 1T, Rometh Wijesinghe 1T, Rehan Warnasuriya 1T, Mayanka Dias 2C
Thurstan College – 27
Theekshana Munasinghe 1T, Tharinda Senarathna 2T, Zaid Irshad 1T, Amindu Rajapaksha 1T, Akeesha Pushpakumara 1C
