Trinity College produced a commanding performance, running in ten tries to defeat arch-rivals Royal College 58 – 26 and clinch the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2026 President’s Trophy in the Final at Sugathadasa Stadium.
Two arch-rivals clashed to decide the first silverware of the season, with Abdul Malik kicking off the Grand Final for Trinity College. It was Trinity who dominated the early exchanges, as Royal conceded two quick penalties. The Lions capitalised through their forwards, building phases before Udan Wijekoon shifted the ball wide. Slick hands from Malik and skipper Shan Althaf released centre Kevin Weerakoon, who crossed over in the corner for the opening try. (RC 00 – 05 TCK)
Royal responded immediately after Trinity winger Damith Abeypitiya was penalised for tackling a player off the ball. Opting for the corner, Royal executed a powerful rolling maul, and prop Lemitha Amerasinghe broke away to crash over, with Mohamed Simak adding the conversion to give Royal the lead. (RC 07 – 05 TCK)
Trinity hit back in style from a lineout, executing a clever long throw to Nisith Kumarasinghe, who set up centre Sadeesha Weerawansa with a sharp break. Quick hands out wide allowed Dimath Abeypitiya to finish in the corner, while Althaf slotted a superb conversion. (RC 07 – 12 TCK)
Moments later, a pinpoint 50 – 22 from Abdul Malik gave Trinity another attacking platform. The forwards punched holes in the Royal defence, with Achintha Jayasena drawing defenders before offloading. The ball was moved swiftly to the flank, where Abeypitiya went over for his second try. (RC 07 – 17 TCK)
The Final continued at a relentless pace as Royal’s maul once again proved effective. Driving forward with authority, Skipper Disas Pathirana grounded the ball at the back to keep Royal within striking distance. (RC 12 – 17 TCK)
Royal nearly added another after a dazzling break from Kavan Ekanayake, but Hiruka Jayadinu’s finish was ruled a knock-on. Trinity made them pay instantly, as Abdul Malik produced a perfectly weighted cross-kick for Ammaar Manzil, who rose brilliantly to collect and score in the corner. (RC 12 – 22 TCK)
Trinity struck again just before the break, with Shan Althaf’s clever kick-and-chase exposing the Royal defence. He offloaded to Abdul Malik, who circled the defence to score, extending Trinity’s lead heading into Half Time.
Half Time: Royal College 12 (2T, 1C) – Trinity College 27 (5T, 1C)
Trinity began the second half just as they ended the first, immediately applying pressure through their forwards after kicking to the corner. Sustained momentum earned them a penalty advantage, and Abdul Malik returned the favour to his Skipper with a clever kick over the defence. Royal allowed the ball to bounce, and Shan Althaf reacted quickest to pounce on the loose ball and score. (RC 12 – 34 TCK)
Moments later, Trinity struck again. This time, Abdul Malik delivered a pinpoint cross-kick which once again found Althaf, who gathered cleanly and powered his way over for his second try of the half. (RC 12 – 39 TCK)
The Lions continued to pile on the pressure, exposing gaps in Royal’s backline. Udan Wijekoon put through a well-weighted grubber kick, and Hamza Abdeen won the race to the ball, catching the defence off guard to score. Althaf added the conversion. (RC 12 – 46 TCK)
>>Trinity mount a second half comeback to seal semi final spot
Trinity kept their foot firmly on the accelerator, scoring again straight from the restart. Ammaar Manzil gathered the ball and linked up with Evin Jayasena, who made significant ground before offloading to Thisara Paris. Showing great awareness, Paris delivered a perfectly timed pop pass back to Manzil, who raced over untouched to cap off a dominant passage of play. (RC 12 – 51 TCK)
Royal added two late consolation tries in the closing stages, with Hiruka Jayadinu powering over after a strong carry, followed shortly by Akira Yatawara crossing the whitewash. Mohamed Simak converted both efforts. (RC 26 – 51 TCK)
However, Trinity had the final say, capping off the rout with another try as a cross-kick was gathered by Thisara Peris, who offloaded to Skipper Shan Althaf to complete his hat-trick and seal the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2026 President’s Trophy after a 15-year wait.
Full Time: Royal College 26 (4T, 3C) – Trinity College 58 (10T, 4C)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Udan Wijekoon (Trinity College)
Points Breakdown
Royal College 26
Lemitha Amerasinghe 1T, Disas Pathiratne 1T, Hiruka Jayadinu 1T, Akira Yatawara 1T, Mohamed Simak 3C
Trinity College 58
Kevin Weerakoon 1T, Dimath Abeypitiya 2T, Ammaar Manzil 2T, Abdul Malik 2T, Shan Althaf 3T,3C, Ammar Faizal 1C
