Wesley College defeated Isipathana College in their penultimate Dialog Schools’ Rugby League encounter 27 (5T 1C) – 25 (4T 1C 1P) in a nail-biting encounter played at Longdon Place.
This win marked Wesley’s first victory over Isipathana since 2019.
The visitors started on the front foot, as Tharuka Jayaweera opened the scoring five minutes into the game with a try. Nimantha Sandeepa failed to add the extras.
Sandeepa had another opportunity off the tee moments later, but the result was the same for the Isipathana fullback. (WC 00–05 IC)
Jonathan Wijayasinghe responded for Wesley, with the winger finishing off a well-constructed first-phase backline move on debut. Eran Ali drew two defenders before sending Wijayasinghe over in the corner.
Ahyan Johor missed the conversion, leaving the game tied. (WC 05–05 IC)
Isipathana struck back in a fast, side-to-side passage of play to regain the lead. Navith Mewnaka powered over from close range after strong forward pressure.
Sandeepa added the extras this time, but once Risaja Ibulgoda was sent to the sin bin, Wesley seized control again. (WC 05–12 IC)
Nelith Hapugala then crossed for the home side, with Johor converting to level the scores once more.
Sandeepa added a penalty to put Isipathana back in front, but a late first-half try byPrarthana Rodrigo saw Wesley go into the break with a slender lead.
Half time: Wesley College 17 (3T 1C) lead Isipathana College 15 (2T 1C 1P)
The second half was another 35 minutes of fast, open rugby, with the lead changing hands four times.
Isipathana were the first to regain the advantage after a try from Rismi Jafrad. Sandeepa again struggled off the tee, but the visitors still led by three. (WC 17–20 IC)
Wesley skipper Shaakib Zumri was shown a yellow card, and Wesley immediately capitalised as Liam Onasiz scored an unconverted try to put the home side back in front.
Jafrad then scored his second try, giving Isipathana their fourth of the match. However, a late try from Abdul Rahuman swung the momentum back to Wesley, sealing a narrow two-point victory for the hosts.
Full time: Wesley College 27 (5T 1C) beat Isipathana College 25 (4T 1C 1P)
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Liam Onasiz (WC)
Points Breakdown:
Wesley College: Jonathan Wijayasinghe 1T, Nelith Hapugala 1T, Prarthana Rodrigo 1T, Liam Onasiz 1T, Abdul Rahuman 1T, Ahyan Johor 1C
Isiapthana College: Tharuka Jayaweera 1T, Risaja Ibulgoda 1T, Rismi Jafrad 2T, Nimantha Sandeepa 1C 1P
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