Royal College, Colombo booked their place in the quarterfinals after easing past St. Anthony’s College, Kandy 34 points to 13 in the final Pre-Quarterfinal of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2026 President’s Trophy, played under lights at Longdon Place.
The final pre-quarterfinal kicked off under lights with St. Anthony’s playmaker Bineru Vithanage getting the game underway. It was the Colombo outfit that struck first when the Antonians were penalised for holding on at the breakdown, allowing Mohamed Simak to open the scoring with a well-taken penalty.(RC 03-00 SACK)
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However, the early Royal lead was quickly cancelled out when they conceded a breakdown penalty of their own. Daham Perera stepped up and slotted the straightforward kick to level the scores after the early exchanges. (RC 03-03 SACK)
Royal responded immediately through their forward dominance. From a lineout, they launched their trademark rolling maul which carried them deep into Anthony’s territory. After a few phases, scrum-half Savistha Fernando switched play to the short side, linking up with skipper Disas Pathirana, who sent Mohomed Raaid over in the corner. Simak then added an excellent conversion from a difficult angle to stretch Royal’s lead. (RC 10-03 SACK)
The Reid Avenue side continued to ride the momentum soon after. A brilliant run from their own 22 by Dinuka Pererabrought Royal into the red zone before they earned another penalty which was kicked to the corner. Pathirana once again led the charge from the maul before the forwards went through several pick-and-drive phases, eventually allowing flanker Senuja Ranasinghe to power over for the second try. Simak added the extras. (RC 17-03 SACK)
Royal further extended their advantage when Simak slotted another penalty after the Antonians were penalised for a high tackle. (RC 20-03 SACK)
St. Anthony’s fought back strongly towards the end of the half with their forwards putting together a series of powerful carries. Dinuka Jayasundara came inches short of the line before Lakvin Manthike crashed over from close range. Perera converted the try as Royal went into halftime holding a comfortable lead.
Half Time: Royal College 20 (2T,2C,2P) – St. Anthony’s College 10 (1T,1C,1P)
St. Anthony’s began the second half with renewed intent and reduced the deficit early on when Daham Perera slotted a penalty, keeping the Antonians within striking distance. (RC 20-13 SACK)
However, Royal responded almost immediately. From the restart, skipper Disas Pathirana pounced on a loose ball to regain possession before the Royal forwards went to work with a series of patient pick-and-go phases. The pressure eventually paid off when Pathirana powered his way over the line for the first try of the second half. Mohamed Simak added the conversion to extend Royal’s advantage. (RC 27-13 SACK)
Royal then took firm control of the contest following a brilliant counter-ruck that forced a turnover. The forwards once again dominated with multiple close-quarter carries, wearing down the Antonian defence. Pathirana made a strong carry that drew in two defenders before producing a timely offload to flanker Senuja Ranasinghe, who raced in under the posts. Simak converted with ease to push Royal further ahead.
The final fifteen minutes saw both teams battle hard but neither side managed to add further points. In the end, Royal College comfortably secured the victory and booked their place in the quarterfinals, where they will face S. Thomas’ College next weekend.
Full Time: Royal College 34 (4T,4C,2P) – St. Anthony’s College 13 (1T,1C,2P)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Senuja Ranasinghe (Royal College)
Points Breakdown`
Royal College 34
Mohomed Raaid 1T, Senuja Ranasinghe 2T, Disas Pathirana 1T, Mohamed Simak 4C,2P
St. Anthony’s College 13
Lakvin Manthike 1T, Daham Perera 1C,2P
