The strong Josephians held off a valiant effort from Kingswood College to secure a 33–22 win in their Plate Segment fixture of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at the Bogambara Rugby Stadium, Kandy.
Things started off in the usual muddy conditions at Bogambara. Due to a handling error by the hosts, the Josephians managed to collect the loose ball. With a short pass, fly-half Bheeshma Jayasekara broke through to score an under-the-post try. He then converted his own try to add the extras. (SJC 07 – 00 KCK)
Another eventful 15 minutes went by without scoring, before Kingswood managed to enter their opponents’ 22-metre area. Referee Jeewaka penalised the visitors for a high tackle. Later, St. Joseph’s were caught offside on back-to-back occasions as Kingswood’s forwards launched action-packed pick-and-drive phases. Finally, blindside flanker Themash Thilakarathne completed the counter-attack by scoring Kingswood’s first try of the match. (SJC 07 – 05 KCK)
Without wasting much time, the visitors scored their second through fullback Akash Gomes on the right side of the field, capitalizing on a disorganized Kingswood defence. The try was initiated by playmaker Bheeshma, who sliced through the Kingswood defence like a hot knife through butter. He then just managed to send the ball above the crossbar with a flat kick to add the extras. (SJC 14 – 05 KCK)
The hosts came back strong, launching a fierce counterattack and capitalizing on a penalty for offside play. After a few brilliant passes and a pick-and-drive, Kingswood scored their second try through Pansilu Bandara. (SJC 14 – 10 KCK)
Later in the day, the visitors had a great chance to extend their lead after they received a penalty for collapsing the maul. After several phases, St. Joseph’s powerful forward Ashen Kumara barged his way over the try line. Bheeshma completed a hat-trick of conversions to add another crucial set of points. (SJC 21 – 10 KCK)
In injury time, Kingswood once again made it into the opposition’s 22-metre area after a St. Joseph’s player was penalised for not releasing the ball carrier. The lads from the Randle Hills launched a fine attack, and Joes were penalised a couple of times for offside play. After several intense phases near the try line, Pansilu Bandara scored his second try by pushing a few tacklers into the in-goal area. Ashik Asmin then made his first successful conversion, giving the Kings some momentum. (SJC 21 – 17 KCK)
The first half was a close tussle, living up to its billing, as both schools with proud rugby legacies fought hard for supremacy and glory.
Half-Time: St. Joseph’s College, Maradana 21 (3T, 3C) – Kingswood College, Kandy 17 (3T, 1C)
During the second half, nearly 12 minutes passed without any scoring, but the action kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. Suddenly, Akila Dilshan from Kingswood broke through the defence, and after a few sharp passes, the ball was sent wide. Centre three-quarter Sachintha Naveesha then scored a try near the corner flag. Though the conversion kick went astray, Kingswood grabbed the lead for the first time in the match. (SJC 21 – 22 KCK)
St. Joseph’s responded by entering the opposition’s half, where the hosts were penalised for collapsing the maul. The Joes followed a textbook sequence—penalty into touch, lineout, and a rolling maul. Hooker Minduka Perera grounded the ball to help the visitors regain the lead. Though the initial call by the referee was a hold-up, the assistant referee confirmed it was a try. (SJC 26 – 22 KCK)
At the brink of the full-time whistle, the Josephians launched a brilliant attack in Kingswood’s territory. A penalty was awarded against the hosts for a high tackle, and Joes took full advantage. A lineout close to the try line followed, and with their typical attacking style, they formed a rolling maul. Front-row powerhouse Thisath Thewnila crossed the line, putting the final nail in the coffin. Despite the tough conditions on the muddy surface, the place-kicking remained outstanding, and the extras were added. (SJC 33 – 22 KCK)
In the final minutes, Kingswood fought hard for redemption, but the determined Joes never let them through, executing rock-solid defence. The scores remained unchanged until the long whistle, and the Joes celebrated a much-needed away victory, stepping closer to the Plate title. Despite Kingswood’s valiant effort and the absence of key players like playmaker Rivin Baudween, the Josephians were the better side on the day and deserved their win.
Full Time: St. Joseph’s College 33 (5T, 4C) – Kingswood College 22 (4T, 1C)
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Bheeshma Jayasekara (St. Joseph’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Joseph’s College, Mt. Lavinia – 33
Bheeshma Jayasekara 1 T 3 C, Ashen Kumara 1 T, Akash Gomes 1 T, Minduka Perera 1 T, Thisath Thewnila 1 T, Malshan Dewmith 1 C
Kingswood College, Kandy – 22
Sachintha Naveesha 1 T , Ashik Asmin 1 C, Pansilu Bandara 2 T, Themash Thilakarathne 1 T,
- The Match Referee : Jeewaka Fonseka
