Wesley College weathered a determined challenge from Mahanama College to secure a 36-12 victory in their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 encounter at Ratmalana. While the final scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the match was far more competitive in the early stages as Mahanama tested the Double Blue defense with high intensity.
The match began with Wesley finding the scoreboard early. In the 4th minute, winger Prarthana Rodrigo finished a clinical move in the corner to break the deadlock. A successful conversion by Ayhan Johar gave the visitors an early cushion (WC 07 – 00 MC). Mahanama responded almost immediately through fullback Nethum Nimviru, who broke through for a spectacular try to level the scores and signal the hosts’ intent (WC 07 – 07 MC).
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Wesley eventually regained control through their dominant set-pieces. In the 13th minute, winger Ayyan Hussain crossed over in the left corner to put Wesley back in front (WC 12 – 07 MC). The momentum stayed with the visitors in the 18th minute when No. 8 Pavan Thiranagama powered over the line following a textbook lineout maul. Although Mahanama had a chance to narrow the gap late in the half, a missed penalty kept the score unchanged at the interval.
Half Time: Wesley College 19 (3T, 2C) – 07 (1T, 1C) Mahanama College
Following the resumption, Wesley asserted their dominance by securing a bonus-point try within just three minutes of the restart, as Ehren Ali crossed the whitewash to stretch the lead further (WC 24 – 07 MC). Fullback Mohamed Fawaz cushioned the lead in the 50th minute, navigating the defense to bring the score to 29-07.
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The game saw a brief moment of tension when tempers flared near the posts, resulting in two players from each side being sin-binned. Despite being reduced to 14 men, Wesley continued to apply pressure. Kesara Rahul touched down for their final try of the afternoon, which was converted by Johar to push the tally past the 30-point mark (WC 36 – 07 MC).
Mahanama refused to back down and was rewarded in the 69th minute for their persistence. Flyhalf Malinka Dhanuja scored a consolation try following a brave offensive effort. While the conversion went wide, the score capped off a spirited performance by the Mahanama outfit before the final whistle.
Full Time: Wesley College 36 (6T, 3C) – 12 (2T, 1C) Mahanama College
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Ayhan Johar (Wesley College)
Points Breakdown
Mahanama College – 12
Nethum Nimviru – 1T, 1C, Malinka Dhanuja – 1T
Wesley College – 36
Prarthana Rodrigo – 1T, Ayyan Hussain – 1T, Pavan Thiranagama – 1T, Ehren Ali – 1T, Mohamed Fawaz – 1T, Kesara Rahul – 1T, Ayhan Johar – 3C
