The Dialog Schools’ Rugby League returned with 6-games being concluded over week one. A week in which title contenders faltered and surprise teams rose to the challenge. What would week 2 have in store?
Let’s find out!
St. Anthony’s College vs DS Senanayake College on the 24th of June at Pallekale
St. Anthony’s shocked title challengers St. Joseph’s College in week one as the visitors found it difficult to get a foothold in the game as skipper and pivot Sahan Keerthisiri. The youngster has the ball on a string and he created mayhem in the backline for the Josephians as they never managed to wriggle their way out.
>>Photos – St. Anthony’s College vs St. Joseph’s College – Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023<<
This week around, the Antonians face the Dons, up at Pallekale as the newly promoted lads seek to make a good first impression in Division 1. St. Anthony’s on the other hand will be aiming to make it two from two and keep their momentum going.
Watch the action live on ThePapare.com
S Thomas’ College vs Isipathana College on the 24th of June at Mount Lavinia
Both the Thomians and the Green Machine kicked off the League with wins, but it was the boys from Havelocks who impressed with a thumping win over Kingswood, up at Bogambara.
>>Photos – S. Thomas’ College vs Wesley College | Dialog Schools Rugby League – 2023<<
S. Thomas’ on the other hand, were made to work for their win as an error-laden game saw the hosts narrowly get over the line, securing the Sir Oliver Gunathilake Shield after a lapse of 6-years. Yehan Bulathisinghalage was the man who stood out, with points, line breaks and tackle busts and he will surely be looked up to in week two if they are to have any chance against the reigning champions.
>>Photos – Kingswood College vs Isipathana College | Dialog Schools Rugby League – 2023<<
This week, Isipathana will be expected to cruise through, however, the visitors will have to bring their A-game as well as their kicking game. The Green Machine will have their work cut out as the lads in Blue and Black will not go down without a fight.
Keep a hold of the ball and this match will be easier than one expects.
Watch the action live on ThePapare.com
Wesley College vs St. Joseph’s College on the 24th of June at Royal Complex
Both teams will be eager to get their first W to their name as week one didn’t start on the right note for either side.
St. Joseph’s were comprehensively beaten while the Les-Blue had their chances but squandered them all to go down at Mount.
Neither team will want to go into the third week with two losses on their back and it’s everything to play for at the Complex.
Wesley College was made to pay for butter fingers and ill-discipline while the Josephians didn’t know what hit them up at Bogambara. Both sides were beaten thanks to their opponents’ good kicking game and both kick returns will have to improve if they are to register their first points of the Dialog Rugby League.
St. Joseph’s one dimension attack was stopped in its tracks as Naveen and Co didn’t have answers to a wall of defence from the high-flying eagles.
The Josephians will need to bring about a different dimension to their attack while the Double Blues will need solidarity and discipline.
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Dharmaraja College vs Zahira College on the 24th of June at Bogambara
Dharmaraja created history, defeating Trinity College by a couple to secure a famous win and their first over the Trinity Lions. The Rajans knocked over a fragile Trinity team and sent shock waves through the Dialog Rugby League. Zahira come in following a bye in week one and will have their work cut out if they are to defeat the Rajans outfit, coming in with momentum.
>>Photos – Dharmaraja College vs Trinity College | Dialog Schools Rugby League – 2023<<
The hosts will be seeking to double their points on the table while the Zahira will be aiming to kick off the season with a win.
Science College vs Royal College on the 24th of June at Science College Grounds
Both sides will no doubt be aiming to bounce back from defeats in week one. Science was outclassed by the host Vidyartha while the apprentice was thought a lesson by the Master himself as St. Peters and Sanath Martis defeated Royal and Dushanth Lewke.
Science will have to throw all they have against the Royalists if they are to defeat the wounded visitors.
Royal on the other hand would look to grind their way past the hosts as, usually a well-drilled outfit, will have to find their form if they are to reach their best this season.
>>Photos – St.Peter’s College vs Royal College | Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023
Vidyartha College vs Trinity College on the 25th of June at Bogambara
The Tigers have begun in the best possible fashion with a Win to their name as the Lions have got off to the worst possible start to their respective campaigns.
>>Photos – Vidyartha College vs Science College – Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023<<
Both sides clash as a cracking encounter is at hand. The defensive aspect will be something looked upon closely by both outfits.
Expect a wounded Lion to be on the prowl but Vidyartha would surely enter with ambitions high.
Watch the action live on ThePapare.com
BYE: St. Peter’s College and Kingswood College receive a BYE week as they return to action following a week’s break.
Points Table:
The Points table is still taking shape following just one week of action however, all teams know that room for slip-ups are very minimal as only two teams make it through to the next round!
