During the most anticipated game on the schoolgirl rugby calendar, the 2026 Lionesses Trophy Big Match, Sarasavi Uyana College, Peradeniya, delivered a masterclass performance, not only defending the title but doing so in devastating fashion, securing a colossal 36-00 victory over a spirited but ultimately outclassed Swarna Jayanthi National College, Kegalle.
Before the kick-off of this historic encounter, the public ground of Kegalle was filled with a massive crowd, and the air was thick with anticipation. The school bands were tuning their instruments, while the flags of the colleges were being hoisted high.
During the minutes of the play, both sides were in a close tussle, and suddenly Sarasavi Uyana came nose ahead in the game when their blindside winger found a space from nowhere at the left corner and ran all the way to take the first blood of the game. At the first break of the chucker’s encounter, Sarasavi Uyana took the upper hand of the encounter (SU 05 – 00 SJ).
During the second quarter, Sarasavi Uyana lasses attacked well and scored their second through an under-the-post try after a powering pick-and-go phase. Then Sarasavi Uyana forwards flexed their muscles again with another furious try to the right side of the field. While Sarasavi Uyana girls were thriving for the third try in the session, they made a silly knock-on.
Half Time : Sarasavi Uyana College, Peradeniya 19 – 00 Swarna Jayanthi Maha Vidyalaya
After halftime, the hosts looked for a redemption but their progress was never on cards against the formidable Sarasavi Uyana defence. During the third quarter the visitors scored another try by dragging the game out of the reach of the hosts (SU 24 – 00 SJ).
During the final chucker session, Sarasavi girls kept their momentum and continued to impress their supporters who travelled to Kegalle in numbers. They managed to put a cherry on top of their victory by scoring back to back tries in the final session.
Full Time : Sarasavi Uyana College, Peradeniya 36 – 00 Swarna Jayanthi Maha Vidyalaya
Though the Swarnajayanthi girls failed to put any points on the board, they struck with occasional brilliance. However, the Sarasavi defensive line was impenetrable. Every time Swarna Jayanthi attempted to build momentum, they were met with a wall of black and white jerseys, culminating in turnovers that Sarasavi girls ruthlessly punished. Apart from the girls’ affairs, there was an exhibition game between the boys’ sides of the schools and the hosts; Swarnajayanthi boys dominated the encounter to post a 17 – 00 victory.
Since the inception of the rivalry between Swarna Jayanthi and Sarasavi Uyana, the “Lionesses Trophy” has become an important event which consistently sets the standard for schoolgirl rugby. The encounters, which are in the nature of the Lionesses Trophy, will truly be a booster for young girls to attract them into this magnificent game of rugby and eventually fuel the progress of Sri Lanka women’s rugby in the future.
The winning captain Aroshika Inoshi receiving the coveted “Lionesses Trophy”
Sarasavi Uyana girls, are jubilant after defending their title
Swarnajayanthi girls who showcased their grit during the losing course
Blazing female referee talent Udeshika Abeysinghe (In the middle) officiated the game while the rising talents Malsha Samaraweera (Left) and Raveena Ranaweera (Right) featured as Assistant Referees.
Best player, Ishanka Weeraparakkrama (SU) and runner-up, Chamodi Sathsarani (Skipper of SJV) receiving their trophies.
The joy and sisterhood, what matters the most in any sporting encounter
