Royal College powered into the final with a dominant 39–13 win against Isipathana College in the Semi-Final of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2026 President’s Trophy at Longdon Place.
Isipathana College dominated the early exchanges with continuous attacking phases that put Royal under pressure. Their persistence paid off when quick ball found Nimantha Sandeepa, who drew in two defenders before releasing Jafrad Rismy, who stepped past the final defender to open the scoring.(IC 05-00 RC)
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Royal responded immediately through their forward strength. A well-driven rolling maul took them close to the line and, after an infringement, they capitalised on the advantage. Scrum-half moved the ball quickly to playmaker Kavindu Hewage, who ran a superb angle through two defenders to score, with Mohamed Simak adding the conversion. (IC 05-07 RC)
Royal then took control after an Isipathana error at the lineout. From the resulting scrum, quick hands across the backline created space for Khyan De Silva, who burst through at pace and raced over in the corner. Simak added an excellent conversion from a difficult angle. (IC 05-14 RC)
Isipathana came close to responding but were denied after knocking on over the line. However, they continued to press and eventually earned a penalty, which Sandeepa converted to reduce the deficit. (IC 08-14 RC)
Royal remained dangerous in attack, and with Isipathana reduced to 14 men following a yellow card, they made the extra man count. After another strong maul, the ball was spread wide, with Hiruka Jayadinu making a telling break before sending Khyan De Silva over for his second try in the corner.
Half Time: Isipathana College 08 (1T,1P) – Royal College 19 (3T,2C)
Isipathana began the second half strongly, with a brilliant run from Abdul Azeez, who combined well with Risaja Dinusara to bring play deep into Royal territory. The backs then spread the ball wide, with Nimantha Sandeepa breaking through the defensive line and taking play close to the try line. From the ensuing breakdown, Manuja Botheju picked up and powered over for the try. (IC 13-19 RC)
Royal responded once again in this back-and-forth contest. After earning a penalty close to the line, they opted for a scrum and built through a few pick-and-go phases before skipper Disas Pathiratne forced his way over for a crucial try to extend their lead. (IC 13-26 RC)
Royal continued to build scoreboard pressure, with Mohamed Simak adding a straightforward penalty before landing another a few minutes later, making it a steep climb for Isipathana. (IC 13-32 RC)
Royal continued to press in attack and eventually broke the line through Kavindu Hewage, who once again created space before releasing winger Kavan Ekanayake. As he surged forward, the last defender Nimantha Sandeepa committed a high tackle, resulting in his second yellow card and a subsequent red. A penalty try was awarded to Royal, effectively sealing the contest.
Royal secured their place in the final for the first time since 2016, where they will face arch-rivals Trinity College next weekend.
Full Time: Isipathana College 13 (2T,1P) – Royal College 39 (5T,4C,2P)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Khyan De Silva (Royal College)
Points Breakdown
Isipathana College 13
Jafrad Rismy 1T, Manuja Botheju 1T, Nimantha Sandeepa 1P
Royal College 39
Khyan De Silva 2T, Kavindu Hewage 1T, Disas Pathiratne 1T, Penalty Try , Mohamed Simak 3C,2P
