“Schools Rugby League 2025: Post-Round 1 Power Rankings and Performance Analysis”

“Schools Rugby League 2025: Post-Round 1 Power Rankings and Performance Analysis”

An in-depth look at team performances, key players, and turning points at the end of Round 1, curated by Brian Thomas with insights from Christopher Jordashe and Tony Amit.

Analytical Stats: Schools Rugby League – End of Round 1

Script by: Brian Thomas
Adjudicator: Christopher Jordashe
Third Eye: Tony Amit
Presented by: Scrum & Engage with SriLankaSports.com

🟥 Team: Trinity College

Coach: Fazil Marjah

• Played: 5

• Won: 5

• Points: 30

• Points Scored: 237

• Points Against: 67

• Team of the Week Selections: 1/5

Analysis:
Trinity’s unbeaten run reflects a dominant first round. However, looking back at the games Trinity played gives us a clear indication that if they had reduced their infringements, controlled their over-intent in avoiding unforced errors, and if Shan Altaf had been more accurate with his boots, the points gained would have been much higher, based on our prediction.

On the flip side, had they controlled their excessive infringements, the points against them would have declined significantly.
In Group 3, their biggest challenges were Royal and St. Joseph’s in my opinion. Trinity’s defence has been solid and they are ranked No. 2 for their efforts.

🟦 Team: Royal College

Coach: Dushantha Lewke

• Played: 5

• Won: 4

• Points: 24

• Points Scored: 203

• Points Against: 73

• Team of the Week Selections: 1/5

Analysis:

The back three of Royal contributed significantly to the 203 points on the scoreboard. Take a bow, Idris Farook—your kicking boots proved to be like gold dust. If their main weapon—the rolling maul seen in past seasons—had clicked, combined with the required technical excellence, the scoreboard would have told a different story.

The backline defence struggled, particularly on the left flank. Why? There were a few setbacks in defence and fatigue during open play, which became like a virus in the second half. If certain disciplines had been controlled, the points against them would have been much lower.

Their biggest challenge was Trinity, especially in Pallekelle. St. Joseph’s reminded the “Jurassic boys”: We crossed your whitewash in both halves, while Trinity managed to lock down Royal’s whitewash completely. How and why? Kick that to touch.

Royal is ranked 5 going into the second round. Their strong line-kicking duo—Idris and Pathirana—has been a treat to watch, and a good side can never be written off.

 

🟩 Team: S. Thomas’ College

Coach: Anuradha Walpola

• Played: 5

• Won: 5

• Points: 30

• Points Scored: 206

• Points Against: 116

• Team of the Week Selections: 1/5

Analysis:

The Thomians possess nimble-footed forwards—heavy in stature, graceful in their own backyard—but it remains to be seen if they’re vulnerable away from home. They only played Dharmaraja away in Nittawela and fared very well. If STC had spread the ball and fed the three-quarters more often, their points on the scoreboard could have topped the table. The cohesion between the forwards and three-quarters has paid dividends, with some good passages of play, including their forwards’ pick-and-drives.

STC could have scored more tries in a few tight games had they distributed the ball better. With extra men in a phase move and only one man to beat, they often ran straight into defenders.
It’s a known fact that the ball beats the man—quick passes must be made when those opportunities arise.

Mayanka Dias has been reliable off the tee and consistent this season. Bulathsinghala’s individual brilliance has been a game-changer.
The lapses in defence seem to stem more from complacency than incapability. The 111 points scored against them could have been reduced by at least 25% had they maintained concentration for the full 70 minutes.

Their biggest challenge in Group 2 was Isipathana, along with dark horses Kingswood.
Ranked: 3
Strength: Excellent forwards and 2–3 playmakers in the backline with strong skills.

 

🟢 Team: Isipathana College

Coach: Dhanushka Boteju

• Played: 5

• Won: 4

• Points: 24

• Points Scored: 160

• Points Against: 116

• Team of the Week Selections: 0/5

Analysis:

Isipathana has talent and skill in abundance. Sadly, injuries and viral infections to key players have taken the shine off their style of play. Other teams have improved, while the Green Machine seems to have deflated after the knockout stages.

They could have reached the 200-point mark had their speedy wingers been match-fit, but it’s difficult to justify conceding 116 points.

Second-half fatigue was evident, and opposition teams noticed that the Green Machine tends to soft-pedal after the break. While brilliant in attack, their defence has fallen below their usual high standards this season.

In Group 2, the Thomian challenge was expected to be a loss. However, Isipathana’s lacklustre performances against Kingswood, Zahira, Dharmaraja, and Mahanama will concern Coach Boteju.
Ranked: 4 at the start of Round 2.

🔷 Team: Wesley College

Coach: Terence Henry

• Played: 5

• Won: 5

• Points: 29

• Points Scored: 183

• Points Against: 47

• Team of the Week Selections: 2/5

Analysis:

The Double Blues keep it simple. They play orthodox rugby, with their three-quarter line syncing well with the forwards, and fullback Hadhi consistently creating overlaps. This has helped them rack up 183 points.

Their defence—like Trinity’s—is outstanding, conceding only 47 points. To breach their whitewash, opponents have to be at their absolute best. Wesley is a well-balanced team, conservative with infringements and forced errors, and they hardly ever kick aimlessly.

Wesley’s biggest challenge came from St. Peter’s, and they were outstanding in overcoming it. The only team in Group 1 to truly test them was underdog DS.
Strength: Excellent defence and disciplined whitewash guards.
Ranked: No. 1 going into the Super Round.

🟪 Team: St. Peter’s College

Coach: Sanath Martis

• Played: 5

• Won: 4

• Points: 24

• Points Scored: 123

• Points Against: 99

• Team of the Week Selections: 0/5

Analysis:

The defending champions’ attack plan has fallen apart this season due to too many unforced errors—including poor decisions on how to take penalty opportunities—lacklustre line-outs, and underwhelming rolling mauls (similar to Royal’s issues).

While they boast a mobile forward pack and a hard-running backline, their finishing touches have been missing.

Coach Martis has been burning the midnight oil, but the “Bamba Brigade” has yet to fire. Scoring only 123 while conceding 99 is unusual. The Peterites have slumped. But as Tony Amit pointed out—never underestimate Martis; he may be saving his best for last.

They were favourites in Group 1, but Wesley outplayed them, and even teams like DS and other underdogs managed to stretch and score against them despite losing.
Strength: Strong in pick-and-drives. Three-quarters are less penetrative and need to improve their finishing.
Ranked: No. 6 in Round 2.

🧮 Overall Rankings Post-Round 1

According to Adjudicator Christopher Jordashe; former Sri Lanka rugby player and S. Thomas’ captain.

1. Wesley

2. Trinity

3. S. Thomas’

4. Isipathana

5. Royal

6. St. Peter’s

According to Third Eye – Tony Amit: a former Sri Lanka and Thomian Coach, a former technical advisor to Isipathana.

1. Trinity

2. Wesley

3. S. Thomas’

4. Isipathana

5. Royal

6. St. Peter’s