Hosts Science College delivered a masterclass in all-round rugby, completely outclassing Mahanama College with a resounding 52-07 victory in their Bowl Segment encounter of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026. Played at the Science College Grounds, the home side dictated terms across all departments, blending a fierce attack with rock-solid defence to leave the visitors with no answers.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their authority, signalling their intentions right from the kickoff. A perfectly executed tactical move saw Science College’s nippy halfback, Methuka Edirisinghe, deliver an accurate, well-weighted punt kick. Chasing lock forward Nethum Methsen timed his run to perfection and gathered the ball cleanly. Although a couple of tacklers wrapped him up, he managed to force his way over the line in just the second minute. Pahan Nesadu added the conversion to give the hosts the perfect start. (SC 07 – 00 MC)
From that moment onward, an electrified Science outfit refused to be kept out of the action. They caused numerous problems for the Mahanama defensive line with their fast-paced and expansive rugby. The home side’s attacking structure was relentless, and they later earned a lineout near the 10-metre mark. After working the ball through several phases, a short pass found inside centre Malindu Munasinghe, who broke through four defenders. He then fended off another couple of tacklers before scoring a brilliant solo try. Pahan Nesadu added another conversion to extend the lead. (SC 14 – 00 MC)
Though Mahanama tried to bounce back, the hosts tightened the pressure even further. The visiting hooker made a costly error at a lineout by overthrowing the ball, allowing Science College to capitalise. Alert flanker Riveen Edirisooriya gathered possession and sliced through the defence with ease to score their third try. Pahan once again made no mistake with the conversion. (SC 21 – 00 MC)
Later, Mahanama finally received an opportunity when Science College were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card. However, the visitors failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage. Instead, Science earned a five-metre lineout after receiving a penalty. After securing possession, the jumper immediately passed to the receiver, who ran towards the blind side before returning the ball to hooker Charuka Iwansha. Unmarked and with space in front of him, Iwansha crossed the whitewash with ease. Crucially, this score secured the try bonus point for Science College even before the halftime whistle. (SC 26 – 00 MC)
At the break, the hosts had taken complete control of the contest, heading into the sheds with a commanding lead built on four unanswered tries.
Half Time: Science College 26 (4T, 3C) – Mahanama College 00 (0T, 0C)
The second half resumed with Science College picking up exactly where they had left off. Their forwards and backs combined superbly, ensuring their attacking momentum remained seamless. Science earned a lineout near the 10-metre mark and launched a powerful driving maul. Although Mahanama defended it well, the hosts quickly shifted to Plan B with a pick-and-drive attack. The change paid immediate dividends as halfback Methuka Edirisinghe forced his way over the line, shrugging off a couple of tacklers with excellent body positioning. Pahan was accurate as ever, adding the conversion. (SC 33 – 00 MC)
Things went from bad to worse for Mahanama as they were reduced to 14 men after conceding a yellow card inside their own red zone. Science opted to exploit the numerical advantage, taking a quick tap before launching an attack. They then switched the point of attack and spread the ball towards the left touchline. Blindside winger Tharusha Vithanage, left completely unmarked, received the final pass and sprinted over for a classic winger’s diving try near the corner flag. (SC 38 – 00 MC)
Science College, still enjoying the extra man, worked the ball through midfield and created an overlap. The backline broke through the right channel and raced into the opposition 22. There, Mahanama conceded penalties for not rolling away and subsequently for failing to retreat 10 metres. The hosts tapped quickly and continued their assault. Moments later, powerful prop Demitha Silva showcased his strength by crashing over beneath the posts. Pahan continued to impress with another successful conversion. (SC 45 – 00 MC)
Facing a mountain of points, Mahanama College finally found a response and managed to get on the scoreboard. The visitors earned a lineout deep inside the Science College red zone. Following a series of determined pick-and-go phases, prop forward Emith Kumarasinghe powered over for Mahanama’s first try of the afternoon. Vihanga Seneth added the extras with a fine conversion. (SC 45 – 07 MC)
However, the relentless Science brigade refused to grant the visitors any breathing room during the closing stages. Pushing for more points, the hosts launched one final attack that forced Mahanama into repeated infringements. The referee eventually had no choice but to award a penalty try beneath the posts, putting an exclamation mark on a dominant display. (SC 52 – 07 MC)
Science College ultimately steamrolled Mahanama College, wrapping up the fixture with a comprehensive 52-07 victory.
While this remarkable win showcased their true potential, it comes with a bittersweet realisation for the Science College camp. Having already suffered a defeat earlier in the segment, this victory merely keeps their hopes of claiming the Bowl title alive. Nevertheless, a 45-point winning margin against a respected opponent is an achievement not to be overlooked. This commanding performance will undoubtedly serve as a major confidence boost, providing the perfect foundation and momentum as Science College look to build towards a much stronger campaign next season.
Full time: Science College 52 (8T, 6C) – 07 (1T, 1C) Mahanama College
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Pahan Nesadu (Science College)
Brief Scorecard
Science College – 52
Nethum Methsen 1T, Malindu Munasinghe 1T, Riveen Edirisooriya 1T, Charuka Iwansha 1T, Methuka Edirisinghe 1T, Tharusha Vithanage 1T, Demitha Silva 1T, Penalty Try, Pahan Nesadu 6C,
Mahanama College – 07
Emith Kumarasinghe 1T, Vihanga Seneth 1C
