Week 3 of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 delivered another action-packed weekend with nail-biting finishes, second-half comebacks, dominant performances, and a classic showdown between Royal College and Zahira College stealing the spotlight.
Zahira stun Royal in instant classic
Zahira College held their nerve in one of the games of the season to edge Royal College in a dramatic thriller at the Royal Sports Complex. Farhan Fazlath and Muzil Samath gave the visitors early momentum, before Afham Abdeen turned the game on its head during Royal’s yellow-card period with two crucial tries. Despite a spirited Royal comeback led by Simak Shafeek, Disas Pathirana, and Dinuka Perera, Zahira’s defence held firm in the dying moments to secure a famous victory in a contest decided by the finest of margins.
- Zahira stun Royal after 63 years
- Thurstan hold their nerve to defeat Kingswood
- St. Anthony’s edge past D. S. Senanayake in Pallekele thriller
- High-riding Trinity Lions steamroll Sumangala under wet conditions at Nittawela
Full Time: Zahira College 29 – 26 Royal College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Afham Abdeen (Zahira College)
Peterites continue unbeaten run with attacking masterclass
St. Peter’s College made it three straight wins with another high-scoring performance against Prince of Wales’ College. Nethshan Manthusha was outstanding throughout with a hat-trick and several dominant carries, while Jamal Wahab and Ashok Krishan controlled proceedings brilliantly for the Bamba Brigade. Despite briefly losing discipline in the second half and conceding two penalty tries, the Peterites’ attacking firepower once again proved far too strong.
Full Time: St. Peter’s College 65 – 21 Prince of Wales’ College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Nethshan Manthusha (St. Peter’s College)
Thurstan survive late scare to edge Kingswood
Thurstan College continued their impressive run after surviving a fierce Kingswood comeback in a thrilling contest at Sugathadasa Stadium. Ahad Sallay’s leadership and Amindu Rajapaksha’s creativity gave Thurstan control early on, while Akeesha Pushpakumara produced one of the standout tries of the round. Kingswood fought back strongly through Menusha Marasinghe and Temash Thilakarathna, but Thurstan’s rolling maul and desperate late defence ultimately sealed another memorable win.
Full Time: Thurstan College 25 – 21 Kingswood College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Amindu Rajapaksha (Thurstan College)
Wesley outlast spirited Ananda
Wesley College produced another strong attacking display to overcome a spirited Ananda College side in Rajagiriya. Kaizer Lye’s brilliant interception try shifted momentum early, while Prarthana Rodrigo and Keshara Rahul caused constant problems for the Anandian defence. Deneth Chamuditha kept Ananda in the contest with an excellent all-round performance and long-range kicking, but Wesley’s superior fitness and composure in the closing stages helped the Double Blues pull away.
Full Time: Wesley College 36 – 18 Ananda College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Keshara Rahul (Wesley College)
Thomians storm past Science with dominant second half
S. Thomas’ College produced a clinical second-half performance to overpower Science College and secure back-to-back victories. McKyle Karunaratne and Vishva Akash led the forward dominance, while Mayanka Dias controlled territory expertly with the boot. Science College remained competitive through the efforts of Tharusha Gallage and Oshada Fonseka, but the Thomians’ superior structure and physicality after halftime proved decisive.
Full Time: S. Thomas’ College 41 – 13 Science College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Vishva Akash (S. Thomas’ College)
Antonians hold off late Dons fightback
St. Anthony’s College survived a tense finish to edge D.S. Senanayake College in a bruising encounter at Pallekele. Shaun Emmanuel controlled the game brilliantly for the Eagles, while Yohan Gunawardena and Resandu Bandara delivered key moments in attack. The Dons rallied strongly late through Chamith Samarasinghe and Thimath Bogahawatta, but the hosts held their composure under pressure to secure a valuable home victory.
Full Time: St. Anthony’s College 21 – 19 D.S. Senanayake College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Shaun Emmanuel (St. Anthony’s College)
Trinity dominate Sumangala in wet-weather showdown
Trinity College delivered another statement performance in difficult conditions to comfortably defeat Sri Sumangala College at Nittawela. Udan Wijekoon and Achintha Jayasena led the charge with powerful carries, while skipper Shan Althaf sparked several dangerous attacking movements. Trinity’s relentless forward pressure and defensive discipline completely shut down Sumangala’s attack in a commanding shutout victory.
Full Time: Trinity College 39 – 00 Sri Sumangala College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Udan Wijekoon (Trinity College)
Josephians hold off spirited Mahanama comeback
St. Joseph’s College returned to winning ways after overcoming a spirited second-half fightback from Mahanama College. Inosh Silva and Dion Peters powered the Josephians through their trademark rolling maul dominance, while Bryan Fernando controlled the game superbly in difficult conditions. Mahanama threatened a stunning comeback through Malinka Danuja and Kalhara Dias, but the Josephians regained composure late on to seal an important victory.
Full Time: St. Joseph’s College 41 – 25 Mahanama College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Inosh Silva (St. Joseph’s College)
Green Machine firepower overwhelms Lumbini
Isipathana College maintained their unbeaten start to the season with another polished display against Lumbini College. Nimantha Sandeepa was outstanding with a brace and excellent game management, while Yuvindu Kodithuwakku added two tries of his own as the Green Machine backs ran riot. Rishmi Jafard also made a strong contribution as Isipathana’s forwards laid the perfect platform for their dangerous attacking unit to dominate proceedings from start to finish. Lumbini managed to stay in touch through the boot of Nadun Aloka, who added two penalties for the hosts.
Final Score: Isipathana College 33 – 06 Lumbini College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Nimantha Sandeepa (Isipathana College)
