Trinity College etched their names into the history books by completing an unbeaten Inter-Schools Rugby League campaign with a commanding 20-7 victory over St. Peter’s College in their final fixture at Bambalapitiya yesterday.
The triumph crowned an exceptional season for the Kandy outfit, who not only defended their league title but also captured the knockout championship to complete a rare schools rugby double for the first time since 1987.
Captain Shan Althaf led from the front with an assured all-round performance, while Number Eight Achintha Jayasena delivered another standout display as Trinity finished the league with 29 points. The success reflected the team’s discipline, depth, and consistency, having remained unbeaten throughout the competition.
Trinity wasted little time in asserting themselves. A powerful rolling maul from close range created the opening try, with forward Akila grounding the ball before Althaf converted to hand the visitors an early 7-0 lead.
The champions were dealt an early setback when centre Sadeesha Weerarathne left the field with a knee injury, forcing Trinity to reshuffle their backline. St. Peter’s responded with determined defence and prevented any further scoring before halftime.
Momentum swung further in Trinity’s favour after the restart when St. Peter’s were reduced to 14 players following a dangerous tackle. Althaf punished the infringement with a penalty before Trinity’s forwards again dominated from a lineout drive, allowing Jayasena to score their second try. The successful conversion increased the lead to 17-0.
The contest took another dramatic turn when Trinity temporarily lost two players to the sin bin. St. Peter’s took advantage of the extra space as prop Ashan Madugaspe crossed the line, with Geon Stewart adding the conversion to revive hopes of a comeback.
Despite playing with only 13 men for a crucial period, Trinity’s defence remained composed under pressure. Once restored to full strength, Althaf produced the decisive moment with a superb long-range penalty that ended St. Peter’s resistance and secured a deserved 20-7 victory.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Trinity players and supporters as the unbeaten champions completed one of the school’s most successful rugby seasons in nearly four decades, reaffirming their status as the country’s premier school rugby team.
