St. Joseph’s College ran in 10 tries to outclass the emerging hill country rugby powerhouse, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, 67–07 in their final game of the preliminary round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, held at the CR & FC Grounds.
The Sumangala lads started the game with an unforced error, knocking on the kickoff and allowing the Joes to enter their 22-meter area straightaway. Off a steady scrum, and after a few phases by the forwards, blindside flanker Ashen Kumar powered over the line to score the opening try of the match. Reliable placekicker Bheeshma Jayasekara added the extras for the Joes. (SJC 07 – 00 WSSC)
Meet the captains who are battling for a single crown
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Janith to lead St. Joseph’s College Rugby
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Soon after, a Sumangala No. 8 was penalized for not releasing the ball. Off the quick tap, second-rower Janith Marasinghe crashed over for the Joes’ second try. Once again, Bheeshma made no mistake with the conversion, giving signs of a high-scoring game. (SJC 14 – 00 WSSC)
Later, the Joes were awarded a scrum deep inside their own 22-meter area. From a No. 8 pick, they broke through the defensive line and sprinted all the way to the opposition’s 22. After 6–7 phases by the forwards, tighthead prop Isuru Chathuranga barged his way over the line with an excellent pick-and-drive play. (SJC 19 – 00 WSSC)
Following the water break, Joes’ center Ryan Fernando was sin-binned for using his leg to stop an opposition player. With the extra-man advantage, Sumangala kept threatening and showed signs of a resurgence. Their forwards finally managed to cross the try line—but failed to ground the ball.
In the 25th minute, Sumangala were penalized again for not releasing the ball in the tackle. The Joes opted to go for points, and Bheeshma calmly slotted over the penalty. (SJC 22 – 00 WSSC)
A few minutes later, the Joes formed a rolling maul off a lineout just outside the opposition 22. The Josephian forwards powered ahead nearly 30 meters, with hooker Minduka Perera dotting down for the bonus-point try. Bheeshma missed the conversion. (SJC 27 – 00 WSSC)
In the dying minutes of the first half, Sumangala launched a spirited attack and were finally rewarded when prop Mohommad Akram muscled over, pushing through several defenders. Fly-half Pasindu Samarakoon slotted the conversion just before halftime.
Half-time: St. Joseph’s College 27 (4T, 2C, 1P) – 07 (1T, 1C) Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College
After the break, the Joes came out firing on all cylinders. Captain Bheeshma Jayasekara broke through the Sumangala defense and went close to the line. Moments later, he dived over to score and then converted his own try. (SJC 34 – 07 WSSC)
The boys from Darley Road continued their dominance, launching a clinical attack. The unmarked Inosh Silva had no trouble finishing off another try. Bheeshma added the extras to extend their lead. (SJC 41 – 07 WSSC)
About ten minutes of scoreless play followed before the Josephian three-quarters joined the party with some brilliant ball-handling. Nathan Gunarathna spotted space and executed a timely grubber kick, which was chased down by replacement winger Shanilka Cooray, who scored another try. The conversion attempt hit the left upright and missed. (SJC 46 – 07 WSSC)
The Joes soon returned to the red zone and executed a pick-and-drive sequence. While the forwards inched forward, Janith Marasinghe crashed over for his second try of the game. Bheeshma added the extras once again. (SJC 53 – 07 WSSC)
Back inside the opposition 22 after another penalty and line kick, the Joes executed yet another rolling maul. With no answer from Sumangala, their forwards brought it down illegally. From the resulting penalty and a quick tap, Sathira Gunathilaka dotted down the ninth Josephian try. Bheeshma continued his excellent kicking form. (SJC 60 – 07 WSSC)
In the final moments of the game, the Joes worked the ball beautifully from the right corner to the left. Winger Thewan Kithnuka found space down the far flank, cut back inside, and scored under the post. Bheeshma nailed the easy conversion, which marked the final play of the game. (SJC 67 – 07 WSSC)
With this mammoth victory, St. Joseph’s College made a bold statement to their opponents as the battle for the Plate Championship intensifies.
Full Time : St. Joseph’s College 67 (10T, 7C, 1P) – 07 (1T, 1C) Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Mindulka Perera (St. Joseph’s College)
Points Breakdown
St. Joseph’s College, Maradana
Ashen Kumar 1 T, Janith Marasinghe 2 T, Isuru Chathuranga 1 T, Mindulka Perere 1 T, Bheeshma Jayasekara 1 T 7 C 1 P, Inosh Silva 1 T, Shanilka Cooray 1 T, Sathira Gunathilaka 1 T, Thewan Kithnuka 1 T.
Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy
Mohommad Akram 1 T, Pasindu Samarakoon 1 C
