Trinity face Wesley in biggest test

• Their opponents, Wesley College, have had an impressive campaign themselves, sitting second with 12 points. Apart from a narrow defeat to Isipathana, the Double Blues have played some structured rugby and will pose a serious challenge to Trinity

By Shamseer Jaleel in Kandy

The Schools Under-19 Rugby League 2025 Cup segment enters its penultimate week with a mouth-watering clash between unbeaten Trinity College and second-placed Wesley College in Pallekele today.

Trinity, with seven wins from seven matches with a maximum 18 points, are just one win away from sealing the league title and ending a 38-year drought. 

Trinity last won the League in 1987 under Tyrell Rajapakse’s leadership when they took home the trophy remaining unbeaten and only one try scored against them in the entire season.

Under the guidance of coach Fazil Marija the Lions have shown consistency, flair and composure, dominating the opposition week after week. 

Their forwards who are an improved set have provided the much needed ball for the three-quarters to attack at will which has foxed many teams this season. 

Viraj Prasanth has done a wonderful job with the shaping up of his forwards who improved in every game maturing with new tactics and improving their mobility as well.

Their opponents, Wesley College, have had an impressive campaign themselves, sitting second with 12 points. Apart from a narrow defeat to Isipathana, the Double Blues have played some structured rugby and will pose a serious challenge to Trinity. 

This clash is effectively a virtual league decider. A win with a bonus point for Trinity could secure them the title, while a Wesley victory will blow the title race wide open with just one week remaining bringing the Thomians too in, provided they win their Royal encounter on the same day at Mount Lavinia.

Trinity will look to their powerful forward pack and dynamic backs to continue their unbeaten run. Captain and Centre, Usmaan Safraz has been outstanding with ample support coming from his three-quarters and mobile forwards who are lightning fast movers on the loose ball. Trinity also have some outstanding players in the starting lineup such as Shan Althaf, Udan Wijekoon, Nisith Kumarasinghe, Hamza Abdeen, Ammar Manzil and Minula Yaddelige.

Wesley, on the other hand, are buoyed by their stunning win over Royal and will be eager to prove they belong among the top contenders. 

Sandul Gammanpilla returns as captain after a brief illness and will add power to the forwards with his leadership qualities.

They are coached by Henry Terrence and have never won the League in their rugby history. Other top ranked players in the Double Blues are Abdul Haadhi, Naham Hemachandra and Mohamed Pawas.

Referee Raveen Alexander