Historically one of the most influential and phenomenal footballing powerhouses in the island nation, St. Benedict’s College looks like they are back to winning ways. Bens defeated Maris Stella College 1-0 at Negombo, and drew 3-all with St. Peter’s College at Kotahena.

Hosts Muslim Central College Kalutara and Aligarh National School Eravur settled for a 1-all draw at the Vernon Fernando Stadium. At the Maligapitiya Grounds, hosts Maliyadeva Model School Kurunegala had a match to forget as they were thumped 5-2 by the unbeaten St. Henry’s College Jaffna. Visiting Baduriya Central College Mawanella drew with hosts Jaffna Central College. St. Joseph’s College continued their unbeaten run when they went uphill to face a strong Kingswood College at Randles Hill. Calm and composed Joes had a comfortable 2-0 win at the high altitude ground conditions in Kandy.

Tournament dark horses Vaddakkachchi Central College from Kilinochchi; St. Henry’s and St. Patrick’s from Jaffna; and Darussalaam, St. Joseph’s, and Zahira from Colombo stay unbeaten out of the 20 top football playing schools in the island. Zahira has the highest of 9 points by winning 3 out of 3.