COLOMBO : With their Plate Championship hopes on the line, St. Joseph’s College knew the equation win, and win with a bonus point. Both teams stepped out at CR&FC for their final game of the Dialog Schools Rugby 2025 season, making it a high-intensity clash.
The match turned into a rollercoaster battle, with momentum swinging back and forth throughout. Neither team gave an inch as they fought hard until the very end.
SJC: 00 – 03 :AC
The scoring opened in just the second minute when Nethan Gunerathna passed the ball back into Ananda College half, giving his team the chance to push ahead. A clean line-out allowed Seymal Wimalasuriya of Ananda to run forward, but a strong tackle by Inosh Silva of St. Joseph’s College stopped him in his tracks. After this intense tackle near the sideline, the referee awarded a penalty to Ananda College. Deneth Chamuditha, a reliable kicker, calmly stepped up and made no mistake, opening the scoring for Ananda College with a successful penalty kick worth 3 points
SJC: 05 – 03 :AC
>>Wesley pip STC at the death; Ends League in 2nd and bags Shield<<
With a penalty awarded near the 10-meter line, skipper Beeshma Jayasekara kicked the ball out to touch, earning St. Joseph’s College the lineout on the touchline where the ball was kicked out. With the advantage, the forwards launched a powerful rolling maul, driving forward with strong effort. Despite strong defense from Ananda College, St. Joseph’s College pack kept the pressure on. Finally, Ashen Kumar managed to cross the try line and opened the scoring for St. Joseph’s College. However, Beeshma Jayasekara’s conversion attempt went wide
SJC: 10 – 03 :AC
With a powerful rolling maul near the 10-meter line in Ananda territory, Ananda College made a strong defensive effort to hold up the maul just short of the try line. However, Deneth Chamuditha’s poor decision to take a quick goal-line dropout when it wasn’t allowed gave away a penalty. This penalty led to a 5-meter scrum for St. Joseph’s College, and Ashen Kumara took full advantage to score once again. This time, skipper Beeshma Jayasekara made no mistake and added the extra 2 points from the conversion.
SJC: 12 – 06 :AC
Ananda College forwards fought back with skillful passing and strong play. They tried hard to break through, but St. Joseph’s College defense didn’t give them any chance. However, an offside by Ashen Kumara of St. Joseph’s College gave Ananda College a penalty inside the Joes defensive zone. Interestingly, even though they had been down by 9 points, captain Sadev Dasanayaka trusted Deneth Chamuditha to take the penalty kick. He calmly scored the penalty, bringing the lead down to 6 points.
SJC: 12 – 11 :AC
With just 3 minutes left in the half, St. Joseph’s College illegally brought down a maul, giving Ananda College a lineout in their favor. Using a powerful rolling maul, Ananda’s forwards pushed hard and showed great teamwork, while St. Joseph’s College defense stood firm in defense. Soon after, another lineout went Ananda’s way, and with a well- executed rolling maul, Seymal Wimalasuriya managed to score just before halftime despite St. Joseph’s College solid defense. This time, Deneth Chamuditha missed the conversion, a chance that would have put Ananda College ahead as the half time came to an end.
HALF TIME: – SJC: 12 – 11 :AC
Ananda College opened the scoring with a penalty, but St. Joseph’s Colege quickly answered with two tries before halftime. Ananda College closed the gap with a penalty and a try just before the break. Both teams fought hard with strong defense and tough mauls, which kept the contest close at halftime.
SJC: 19 – 11 :AC
Right from the kickoff to start the second half, Ananda College dropped the ball, giving St. Joseph’s College a chance to turn things around after some sloppy play in the last 10 minutes of the first half. Seizing the opportunity, Malshan Dewmin broke through to score a try, and Beeshma’s accurate conversion put St. Joseph’s College ahead with a full 7 points.
SJC: 19 – 14 :AC
>>Royal College Stage Stunning Comeback to Regain Major Milroy Fernando Trophy<<
Following St. Joseph’s College’s try, and after five minutes of play, Ananda College earned a penalty due to a costly mistake by St. Joseph’s College in their own territory. Once again Deneth Chamuditha made no mistake and converted the penalty, which added crucial points for his team. Deneth’s accurate kicking under pressure once again proved vital in maintaining Ananda College momentum
SJC: 24 – 14 :AC
At the 45th minute, Mindulka Perera delivered a clean lineout throw inside Ananda College’s 10-meter zone. Inosh Silva secured the ball, and with a rolling maul set big man Hemish Gamage powered over to score the crucial bonus point try that St. Joseph’s College needed to keep their hopes alive in the Plate Championship. Beeshma Jayasekara’s conversion attempt missed, but St. Joseph’s College had successfully passed the pressure back onto Ananda College, turning the momentum in their favor
SJC: 24 – 19 :AC
With a penalty advantage, Ananda College earned a lineout near the try line. A powerful rolling maul set up Seymal Wimalasuriya to cross the line, turning the game into a thriller. However, Deneth Chamuditha missed the conversion, failing to add the valuable two points. Ananda College made St. Joseph’s College pay for their mistake
SJC: 29 – 19 :AC
Right after Ananda College bounce-back, the kickoff wasn’t gathered cleanly, and the loose ball was left by Thenula Wijewardane. This handed St. Joseph’s College a 5-meter scrum, and from the back of it, Inosh Silva powered over for their fifth try — a textbook finish. The conversion was missed by Beeshma Jayasekara yet again.
SJC: 29 – 24 :AC
Nethan Gunerathna’s loose kick gave Ananda College a lineout inside the 22-meter zone. This favored the home side, who once again unleashed their powerful rolling maul, setting up Seymal Wimalasuriya to score an important try — his third of the match. Deneth Chamuditha missed the conversion; the ball just kissed the post, costing Ananda College crucial 2 points.
SJC: 36 – 24 :AC
St. Joseph’s College prop scored a much-needed try to extend the lead after a clean lineout catch by Riane Jayawardana inside Ananda College territory. With crisp passes from the St. Joseph’s College set, Isuru Chathuranga crossed over to score the important try. Malshan Dewmin’s boot added 2 points from the conversion. This try came just 10 minutes before the end of the game, likely putting the result beyond doubt
SJC: 36 – 29 :AC
Ananda College played hard in the final minutes, searching for space to score a try. It came in the last minute of play when Pramil K.B. crossed the line after a tough effort by Ananda College. However, once again, Deneth Chamuditha missed the conversion. It was all too late, as the referee blew the whistle immediately afterward. Such a rollercoaster game, with neither team letting up until the very end.
FULL TIME: – SJC: 36 – 29 :AC
In an exciting Plate Championship match at CR&FC, St. Joseph’s College and Ananda College fought hard right up to the final whistle. Ananda College scored first with a penalty, but St. Joseph’s College quickly answered with several tries, using strong rolling mauls and great plays by Ashen Kumar, Malshan Dewmin, Inosh Silva, and Isuru Chathuranga.
Although both teams missed some conversions especially Deneth Chamuditha for Ananda College the match stayed very close.
Ananda College came back well with skilled play and three important tries from Seymal Wimalasuriya, keeping the game competitive. The lead changed hands multiple times, but St. Joseph’s College finally won a tight game 36–29 after an intense second half. Both teams showed great effort, strong defense throughout the match.
Now, St. Joseph’s College must wait to see if Kingswood College can defeat D.S. Senanayake College but importantly, without conceding a bonus point loss to confirm their hopes of winning the Plate Championship this season.
What a season it has been for St. Joseph’s College! Even with some challenges, they showed strong character and didn’t give up. Captain Beeshma Jayasekara led the team brilliantly throughout the season. His leadership has brought the team to a strong position, where they now wait to see if they will be crowned Plate Champions. Ananda College also had a tough season but kept fighting hard. With captain Sadev Dasanayaka leading, they showed great spirit and never gave up until the very end.
- Swisstek perfect player of the match : – Ashen Kumar (SJC)
Points Breakdown
St. Joseph’s College : – 36
Ashen Kumar – 10 points (2T), Malshan Dewmin – 07 points (1T, 1C), Hemish Gamage –0 5 points (1T), Inosh Silva – 05 points (1T), Isuru Chathuranga – 05 points (1T), Beeshma Jayasekara – 04 points (2C)
Ananda College : – 29
Seymal Wimalasuriya – 15 points (3T), Deneth Chamuditha – 09 (3P), Pramil K.B. – 5 points (1T) – The Papare
