D.S. Senanayake College kicked off their Schools Rugby season in style, defeating Dharmaraja College 48-29 in the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2025 President’s Trophy Pre-Quarterfinal, held at Longdon Place.
The biggest celebration in Sri Lankan rugby — the schools Rugby season — got underway in style with an action-packed knockout pre-quarterfinal, as two determined teams locked horns to kick off the 2024 campaign.
It was the Kandy outfit that struck first, making their intentions clear in just the third minute. Off a scrum, the ball was quickly sent out to center Vidun Saparamadu, who powered through a gap with a strong fend to score the opener. Skipper Damsith Rathnayake added the extras, giving his side a dream start. (DCK 07-00 DS)
D.S. Senanayake College responded swiftly. Their forwards began to assert themselves with powerful carries, setting the stage for the backs to finish. Fullback Rasindu Bandara delivered a long cut-out pass to winger Kinith Dissanayake, who touched down in the corner to cut the deficit. (DCK 07-05 DS)
The tries kept coming in a back-and-forth contest. Dharmaraja struck again, this time capitalizing on a penalty advantage. Saparamadu, already on the scoresheet, took a quick tap and barged over the line for his second try, catching the DS defense off guard. (DCK 12-05 DS)
The high-scoring affair continued as a reckless tackle from Rajan’s winger Dumindu Rajapakse earned him a yellow card. D.S. Senanayake took full advantage, kicking to the corner and executing a textbook rolling maul, with Praveen Lakmal crashing over from the back as Chamith Samarasinghe landed the conversion. However, Lakmal’s fortunes took a turn shortly after as he was shown a yellow card for a high tackle, reducing both sides to 14 men. (DCK 12-12 DS)
Just before halftime, Dharmaraja College regained momentum. A silky backline move saw skipper Rathnayake float a long pass to Geethma Ratnayake, who cut inside, drew in defenders, and delivered a perfectly timed offload to Bihanga Bandara. Bandara finished in the corner to hand Rajans the lead heading into the break.
Half Time: Dharamaraja College 17 (3T,1C) – D.S Senanayake College 12 (2T,1C)
Dharmaraja College carried their first-half momentum into the second, with the forwards once again setting a solid platform deep in DS territory. Scrum-half Pawan Manodya sent quick ball to skipper Damsith Rathnayake, who powered through two defenders to score and extend the lead. (DCK 22-12 DS)
But DS weren’t going down without a fight. Their forwards dug deep with a series of bruising phases before the ball was worked wide. Chamith Samarasinghe weaved through defenders, bringing play within inches of the try line. From the ensuing ruck, tight head prop Thimath Bogahawatta crashed over to keep DS firmly in the contest. (DCK 22-17 DS)
With momentum on their side, DS kept the pressure on through their forwards. Skipper Lankesh Wickramasinghe led by example, powering through the defense to score and reclaim the lead for DS. (DCK 22-24 DS)
What followed was pure drama. Two penalty tries were awarded in quick succession. First, a clearance kick from DS fullback Rasindu Bandara was charged down by Sadeesha Weerakoon. As Weerakoon chased the loose ball, Bandara impeded him near the try line, leading to a penalty try and a yellow card. Moments later, DS returned the favor — playmaker Buddhitha Rusiru launched a pinpoint cross-kick to Yasanda Ravindra, who was tackled in the air by Pahan Rajapakse. Another penalty try was awarded, and Rajapakse joined Bandara in the bin. (DCK 29-31 DS)
With the game hanging in the balance, DS leading by just two points entering the final 10 minutes. Their backs carved up the Rajans’ red zone with precision, and the forwards finished the job through a series of pick-and-drives. Skipper Lankesh Wickramasinghe led from the front, bulldozing over under the posts. Samarasinghe’s conversion gave DS the lead. (DCK 29-38 DS)
The momentum stayed with Donz. Launching an attack from their own half, their backline broke into the 22 before Buddhitha Rusiru faked a pass, sold a dummy, and sprinted past the last defender to score a stunning solo try. (DCK 29-43 DS)
DS sealed the victory with another powerful finish — their forwards camped near the Rajans’ try line and Thimath Bogahawatta, already on the scoresheet, crashed over once more to clinch a famous win for D.S. Senanayake College.
Full Time: Dharamaraja College 29 (5T,2C) – D.S Senanayake College 48 (8T,4C)
- Swisstek Player of the Match: Demika Mindinu (D.S Senanayake College)
Points Breakdown
Dharamaraja College 29
Vidun Saparamadu 2T, Bihanga Bandara 1T, Damsith Rathnayake 1T,1C, Penalty Try.
D.S Senanayake College 48
Kinith Dissanayake 1T, Praveen Lakmal 1T, Thimath Bogahawatta 2T, Lankesh Wickramasinghe 2T, Buddhitha Rusiru 1T, Chamith Samarasinghe 3C, Penalty Try.
