Champs after four decades!!!
A 38-year wait ended in dramatic fashion as Trinity College mounted a stunning second-half comeback to edge out Wesley College 23-21, clinching the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, in a Cup Segment clash at Pallekele yesterday.
Trailing 5-7 at half-time, Trinity’s golden boy Shan Althaf emerged as the game-changer, putting his team on his back and driving them to their first title in nearly four decades. His clinical display across all facets of play was the key difference, as the lads from Campbell Park were left stunned by the narrow defeat.
Trinity remain unbeaten throughout as they won the Schools Rugby League title after nearly four decades
Trinity scored from three tries, a conversion, a penalty, and a drop goal for their 23 points. Wesley fought hard, earning three converted tries in their valiant 21 point effort.
Wesley, known for their physicality, set the tone early. Centre Danush Dassanayake touched down in the 22nd minute, darting over the left flank for the first try of the game. Fullback Abdul Haadhi converted successfully, and Wesley found themselves in control with a 7-0 lead by the 23rd minute.
Trinity responded with a well-timed, unconverted try, reducing the deficit to 5-7 by the 29th minute. The teams went into the break with just a two-point gap, and both sides were gearing up for an intense second-half battle.
The game took a dramatic turn after the restart. Trinity’s lock Akash Fernando, after a powerful burst through the midfield, touched down following a dominant maul. Althaf’s successful conversion saw Trinity take their first lead of the match at 12-7 in the 38th minute.
Trinity’s momentum continued, with No.8 Shrayan Sathiskumar charging through Wesley’s defence and barging over the line for another try in the 46th minute. Despite a missed conversion, Trinity extended their lead to 17-7. Then, in the 55th minute, Althaf showcased his kicking prowess with a superb 40-metre penalty, pushing Trinity further ahead to 20-7.
But he wasn’t done there. A stunning drop goal from the 22-metre mark in the 58th minute saw Trinity increase their lead to 23-7, as they appeared to be cruising towards victory.
However, Wesley wasn’t ready to give up just yet. Flanker Naham Hemanchandra scored in the 62nd minute, reducing the gap to 14-23, with Haadhi’s successful conversion bringing new life to their cause. Trinity were denied a crucial try when a decision by the referee ruled out an intercept try from Althaf as a knock-on in the 63rd minute, keeping the score at 23-14.
The final minutes of the match became a test of nerves. Wesley’s flyhalf Kaizer Lye limped off in the 68th minute, a blow to their playmaking hopes. However, Wesley’s lock Hamdan Shrafraz scored a try in the 71st minute, and Haadhi converted successfully, bringing the score to 21-23.
Despite the late pressure, Trinity held firm, and with their dogged fighting spirit and strategic play, they sealed the victory with a 23-21 scoreline. This victory marks a historic triumph under the leadership of captain centre Usmaan Shafraz and head coach Fazil Marija, as Trinity College ended a 38-year drought to seal the coveted Dialog Schools Rugby League Championship with a game pending game against title holders St. Peter’s College next weekend.