Trinity College stormed into the final with an emphatic 49–29 win against Wesley College in the Semi-Final of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2026 President’s Trophy at the Royal Complex.
Shifan Imthikab got proceedings underway for Wesley College, who dominated the early exchanges. However, Trinity struck with their first attacking opportunity as the forwards went through multiple phases before Nisith Kumarasinghe powered over. Skipper Shan Althaf added the conversion.(WC 00-07 TCK)
Wesley responded quickly through a well-worked move. Sharfaan Wadood shifted the ball short side, with Pawan Thiranagama drawing defenders and offloading to Mohomed Fawaz, who finished well out wide. (WC 05-07 TCK)
Trinity hit back immediately when Hamza Abdeen charged down a clearance kick and raced over, with Althaf converting. The Lions extended their lead soon after when Udan Wijekoon took a quick tap and set the platform before Althaf finished off the move and added the extras. (WC 05-21 TCK)
Wesley stayed in the contest through their forwards, with Nelith Hapugala crossing after sustained pressure. They then closed the gap further as strong carries led to Pawan Thiranagama bulldozing over, with Fawaz converting. (WC 17-21 TCK)
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Trinity had the final say before the break, building from halfway through multiple phases before Achintha Jayasena powered over. Althaf converted as Trinity went into halftime with a solid lead.
Half Time: Wesley College 17 (3T,1C) – Trinity College 28 (4T,4C)
Trinity began the second half just as they ended the first, showing excellent continuity in attack. Combining well through forwards and backs, they worked their way into the 22 before skipper Shan Althaf spotted a gap, sliced through, and offloaded to Nisith Kumarasinghe, who crossed for his second try. Sadeesa Weerawansha added the conversion. (WC 17-35 TCK)
Wesley’s troubles deepened soon after when another clearance was charged down. Evin Jayasena reacted quickest, gathering the loose ball and racing over for the try, with Althaf adding the extras. (WC 17-42 TCK)
To their credit, Wesley fought back as their forwards produced a series of strong carries, with Thidasa Athvidu finishing off a pick-and-drive move to keep them in the contest.
However, Trinity sealed the game with around 15 minutes remaining. Udan Wijekoon once again took a quick tap and followed up with a clever kick into the 22. A Wesley fumble allowed Akash Fernando to collect and score in the corner, with Althaf converting. (WC 22-49 TCK)
Wesley had the final say with a late consolation try, as Hivin Uthmika sniped over following sustained forward pressure. Ahyan Johar added the conversion, but Trinity had already done enough to secure the win and book their place in a second consecutive final.
Full Time: Wesley College 29 (5T,2C) – Trinity College 49 (7T,7C)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Abdul Malik (Trinity College)
Points Breakdown
Wesley College 29
Nelith Hapugala 1T, Pawan Thiranagama 1T, Thidasa Athvidu 1T, Hivin Uthmika 1T, Mohammed Fawaz 1T, 1C, Ahyan Johar 1C
Trinity College 49
Nisith Kumarasinghe 2T, Hamza Abdeen 1T,Achintha Jayasena 1T, Evin Jayasena 1T, Akash Fernando 1T, Sadeesa Weerawansha 1C ,Shan Althaf 1T,6C
