Vidyartha, Sumangala eye first win

By Shamseer Jaleel

Vidyartha College and Sri Sumangala College, Kandy will both be eyeing their maiden victory in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 when they clash today at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele. With both teams yet to register a win, this encounter promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two determined outfits.

Vidyartha started their campaign with a 24-all draw against St. Joseph’s but suffered a heavy defeat against Trinity College in their second game. Despite the setback, they showed early signs of attacking flair and have the tools to bounce back.

Led by dynamic centre Praveen de Mel, Vidyartha will rely on their structured game plan and superior backline play to gain the upper hand. With their Head Coach, former Kingswood, Kandy SC and Sri Lanka sevens player and coach Nilfer Ibrahim guiding them, the Tigers who are expected to be better organised and tactically sharper.

Sumangala, captained by Adithya Rathnayake and coached by Kimgswoodian, Malith Hettiarachchi have endured tough losses to both Trinity and Royal. However, their fighting spirit remains intact which they showed against Trinity in the initial half.

Vidyartha go into this clash with a slight edge.

Referee: Gihan Yatawara