Vidyarathna University College (VUC), Horana suffered an early setback in their quest to regain the coveted Stubbs Shield when P.A. Vibashana lost to Peradeniya Central College’s E.G.P.S. Ranasinghe in the Senior Boys’ 56 kg bout at the Royal MAS Arena on Thursday (31 October).

The 105th edition of the Stubbs Shield is held as part of the All-Island Schools Games conducted by the Education Ministry in association with the School Boxing Association.

Nearly 500 male and female pugilists from 132 schools are vying for honours in this six-day competition.

Boxers are competing in 36 weight classes across three age divisions – Under 16 (Junior), Under 18 (Youth), and Under 20 (Senior) – with the finals to be held on Tuesday (5).

A card of 39 bouts on the opening day of the tournament produced some high-intensity contests in the preliminary round.

In a gripping battle for supremacy, Ranasinghe prevailed over Vibashana, scoring mainly with his powerful right jabs. 

Vibashana displayed good ring craft as he attempted to counterpunch his dominant adversary.  Ranasinghe held his ground despite appearing to run out of steam in the final round to win on points by unanimous decision.

Defending champions St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy got off to a solid start when T.M.R.L. Thennakoon outpointed Wesley’s E.G. Jayasooriya in the Youth Boys’ 56 kg weight category. 

The Sylvestrians, who have been All-Island National School Champions for the last three years, are aiming to clinch the Stubbs Shield for the 18th time in the series.

M.N. Khalid from Zahira College, Colombo, a gangly southpaw, was another pugilist who impressed, pounding his game opponent D.G.J.P. Abeyratne of Nugawela Central College with left uppercuts in the Senior Boys’ 52 kg bout, forcing the referee to stop the contest in round three.