Wesley College kicked off their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing newly promoted Prince of Wales’ College 69-12 in their opening fixture at Havelock Park.
Wesley skipper Kaizer Lye got proceedings underway, and his side wasted no time in making an impact. From an early lineout, No. 8 Pawan Thiranagama made a powerful surge deep into Cambrian territory before Shifan Inthikab shifted the ball wide with a long cut pass to Prathana Rodrigo, who crossed over for the opening try. Lye added the conversion to give Wesley a perfect start. (WC 07–00 POW)
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The Cambrians responded strongly, capitalising on a well-executed rolling maul that proved too powerful for the Wesley defence. No. 8 Suren Nimsara powered over to reduce the deficit. (WC 07–05 POW)
Wesley gradually settled into their rhythm, and midway through the first half, they struck again. After earning a penalty, Akesh Ryan took a quick tap and released Inthikab, who sold a dummy and sliced through the defence to score under the posts. Ryan converted to extend the lead. (WC 14–05 POW)
Building momentum, Wesley’s forwards took control with a series of patient pick-and-drive phases. Liam Onasiz finished off the move with a strong carry to the line, and Ahyan Johar added the extras. Soon after, Manuga Jayaweera powered over from another forward-driven attack to secure the bonus-point try, with Johar once again on target just before half-time.
Half-time: Wesley College 28 (4T, 4C) – Prince of Wales’ College 05 (1T)
The second half mirrored the first, with Wesley striking early. Thiranagama led the charge with another dominant run before Ryan quickly moved the ball to Inthikab, who crossed under the posts. Johar converted, and moments later, substitute Mohamed Fawas lit up the game with a brilliant 50-metre run to score. (WC 40–05 POW)
Wesley continued to dominate as their forwards laid a solid platform. Inthikab once again broke through the defence and unselfishly set up Rodrigo for his second try. Johan Fernando then added his name to the scoresheet with a fine finish out wide. (WC 50–05 POW)
Despite Wesley’s dominance, a lapse in concentration allowed the Cambrians to strike back. A turnover led to a swift counterattack, with Adil Fernando going over for their second try. Raveesha Maduwantha converted. (WC 50–12 POW)
However, Wesley quickly regained control and opened the floodgates. Inthikab produced a moment of magic, stepping past multiple defenders to complete his hat-trick. Late tries from Hivin Uthmika and Manuja Jayaweera, who made a trademark No. 8 break, sealed a comprehensive victory, with Johar adding the finishing touches from the tee.
Full Time: Wesley College 69 (11T,7C) – Prince of Wales’ College 12 (2T,1C)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Shifan Inthikab (Wesley College)
Points Breakdown
Wesley College 69
Prathana Rodrigo 2T, Shifan Inthikab 3T, Liam Onasiz 1T, Manuga Jayaweera 2T, Mohammed Fawaz 1T, Johan Fernando 1T, Hivin Uthmika 1T, Kaizer Lye 1C, Akesh Ryan 1C, Ahyan Johar 5C
Prince of Wales’ College 12
Suren Nimsara 1T, Adil Fernando 1T, Raveesha Maduwantha 1C
