Another blockbuster clash in the Bowl segment of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 unfolded at the Air Force Grounds, Rathmalana, as Kingswood College faced off against Prince of Wales’ College. Played under extremely wet and challenging conditions, both sides produced a spirited display of rugby. However, it was the sheer dominance of the visitors in the second half, led by a four-try masterclass from skipper Sachintha Naveesha, that secured Kingswood College a memorable 34-05 victory.
The visitors got off to a dream start, showing early intent despite the slippery surface. Midway through the first half, Kingswood earned a penalty and a lineout opportunity just inside the opposition 22-metre area. After a clean take, they attempted to launch a driving maul, but the difficult conditions worked against them as players lost their footing and the maul collapsed. Kingswood then shifted the ball through their three-quarters. After a few phases, captain Sachintha Naveesha exploited a gap on the right flank to burst through and score the opening try of the game. Fullback Shamith Shafraz successfully added the conversion despite the challenging kicking conditions. (KCK 07 – 00 POW)
Prince of Wales’ regrouped and produced a strong response, working their way deep into Kingswood territory. As they threatened with a series of attacking phases, Kingswood’s defence struggled to contain them and repeatedly infringed. Eventually, the referee issued a general warning and reduced the visitors to 14 men. Following a scrum, the hosts managed to cross the whitewash, but the Kingswood defence did brilliantly to hold the ball carrier up and prevent a try from being scored.
Although both teams battled hard to add to the scoreboard during the remainder of the half, a combination of difficult weather conditions and poor finishing meant the score remained unchanged. Kingswood College held a commanding 07-00 lead at the halftime break.
Half Time: Kingswood College, Kandy 07 (1T, 1C) – 00 (0T, 0C) Prince of Wales’ College
The second half began with a display of resilience from the hosts. Showing signs of a resurgence, they breached the Kingswood defence to score an early try, narrowing the deficit and injecting fresh energy into the contest. Kingswood contributed to their own problems with a poor restart. First, the Kingswood fullback’s attempted clearance kick was charged down, before the visitors conceded three consecutive penalties inside their own red zone. The Cambrians opted for a scrum in an attempt to stretch the defensive line, and after a single phase, scrum-half Akindu Silva produced a clever show-and-go to slice through the defence and score. However, Prince of Wales’ were unfortunate as the conversion struck the upright. (KCK 07 – 05 POW)
Kingswood’s response was immediate. After a period of sustained pressure, they executed their game plan effectively. The three-quarters, who had been relatively quiet up to that point, stepped up at a crucial moment by carrying play deep into opposition territory. When the hosts were penalised for a high tackle, place-kicker Shamith Shafraz calmly slotted the penalty to extend the lead and halt the home side’s momentum. (KCK 10 – 05 POW)
Shortly afterwards, the hosts committed a crucial knock-on just outside their own 22-metre line. From a solid scrum on the muddy surface, Kingswood launched a No. 8 break and gained significant territory before the runner was brought down. The ball was then moved wide through a series of short passes. Despite the greasy conditions, Kingswood displayed excellent handling skills, and skipper Sachintha Naveesha found space down the left to break through the defence and dive over for his second try. (KCK 15 – 05 POW)
During the final ten minutes, Prince of Wales’ struggled to cope with a series of rapid Kingswood attacks. Seeking a way back into the contest, they took greater risks defensively, but this only opened the floodgates. Kingswood centre and fly-half Dineth Ranaweera made a crucial break from inside his own 22-metre area, gaining nearly 50 metres before being brought down. The attack continued seamlessly with excellent support play. Although the Prince of Wales’ defence worked hard to halt the momentum with committed tackling, Kingswood eventually broke through, crossing from the right corner before cutting back inside to ground another try closer to the posts. (KCK 20 – 05 POW)
Kingswood then pinned the Cambrians deep inside their own territory with a well-judged punt. Although the home side’s fullback secured possession, they were immediately penalised for sealing off at the breakdown. Sensing an opportunity, Kingswood executed a quick tap penalty and moved the ball to their in-form skipper. Naveesha sliced through the defence with ease to complete his hat-trick and secure the bonus point try. Shamith Shafraz added the conversion to further extend the lead. (KCK 27 – 05 POW)
With the final whistle approaching, the hosts searched desperately for a consolation try inside the opposition half but were undone by a knock-on. Kingswood seized the opportunity and quickly worked play upfield. Their captain, who had been at the centre of everything throughout the afternoon, once again broke through the defence. After brushing aside several tacklers and beating the opposing fullback with a fine sidestep, Naveesha crossed for his fourth try of the match. Moments later, Shamith Shafraz rounded off the performance with another successful conversion. The final kick pushed the score to an emphatic 34-05 victory, a result that almost certainly ensures Kingswood avoid the threat of relegation. (KCK 34 – 05 POW)
Conversely, the defeat leaves Prince of Wales’ College in a precarious position. The Cambrians remain without a victory since their promotion to the top tier of school rugby and face an increasingly difficult road ahead as the season progresses.
Full Time: Kingswood College, Kandy 34 (5T, 3C, 1P) – 05 (1T, 0C) Prince of Wales’ College
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Sachintha Naweesha (Kingswood College)
Points Breakdown
Kingswood College, Kandy – 34
Sachintha Naweesha 4T, Dineth Ranaweera 1T, Shamith Shafraz 3C, 1P
Prince of Wales’ College, Moratuwa – 05
Akindu Silva 1T,
Match Referee – Suranga Arunashantha
