Royal College Colombo fought tooth and nail to secure a thrilling one-point victory, winning 30 points (two goals, two tries, two penalties) to 29 (three goals, one try, one penalty) against traditional rivals S. Thomas’ College in their Cup Segment match of the Dialog Schools League Rugby Tournament at Mount Lavinia yesterday. After leading 18-8 at half time, Royal held on in the final moments to clinch their seventh consecutive Michael Gunaratne Trophy.

The match started fast and furious, with Royal taking the lead early. Diminutive number eight Disas Pathirana made an immediate impact, scoring an unconverted try in the second minute by exploiting the short side on the left wing, putting Royal 5-0 up. In the eighth minute, fly-half Idris Farouk added to the scoreline with a successful 25-meter penalty, increasing the lead to 8-0.

S. Thomas’ College responded with a penalty kick from winger Mayanka Dias in the 17th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-8. Royal had a chance to extend their lead in the 20th minute, but Idris Farouk missed a crucial 25-meter penalty.

Royal’s second try came in the 25th minute when Disas Pathirana again broke through, and after a TMO review, the try was awarded. Centre Mohomed Simak converted to make it 15-3. S. Thomas’ College fought back with a try from flanker Teishiya Aluvihare, closing the gap to 8-15 in the 28th minute.

Royal continued to dominate, with Mohomed Simak adding a 22-meter penalty to increase the lead to 18-8 just before halftime.

After the breather, S. Thomas’ College came out strong. They scored a try within the first five minutes, bringing the score to 15-18. Royal responded with another penalty from Simak in the 42nd minute, extending their lead to 25-15.

The match intensified as S. Thomas’ winger Mayanka Dias scored a brilliant try in the 55th minute, followed by his own conversion, reducing the score to 22-25. In the 62nd minute, Dias’ try and conversion put S. Thomas’ ahead 29-25.

In a dramatic finale, Royal’s big second rower Yoshitha Sithumina powered through a driving maul to score the winning try in the dying minutes. Despite the missed conversion, the try sealed the win, and Royal emerged victorious 30-29.