COLOMBO, May 2 (ePRESS) – Wesley College overcame a strong early challenge before pulling away to beat Mahanama College 36-12 in their Dialog Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament match played at Air Force Grounds, Ratmalana, after leading 19-7 at half-time.
Mahanama gave a spirited fight and troubled a more fancied Wesley side in the opening stages, but the Campbell Park school used their power and pace to take control in the second half.
Wesley struck first in the fourth minute when winger Prarthana Rodrigo crossed for a try, with Ahyan Johar adding the conversion to make it 7-0.
Mahanama responded immediately. Fullback Nethum Nimviru produced a strong run to score under the posts, and Sithum Ratnayake converted to level the scores at 7-7.
Wesley regained the lead in the 13th minute when winger Ayyan Hussain touched down in the left corner for an unconverted try to make it 12-7.
They extended their advantage in the 17th minute through a well-executed lineout maul, with number eight Pavan Thirangama powering over. Johar added the extras as Wesley moved ahead 19-7.
Hussain was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute, reducing Wesley to 14 men, but Mahanama failed to capitalise, with Ratnayake missing a penalty just before the break.
After the resumption, Wesley took firm control. They secured their bonus-point try in the 38th minute to go 24-7 ahead.
Fullback Mohamed Fawaz added another try in the 50th minute as Wesley stretched the lead to 29-7.
Tempers flared briefly with two players from each side sin-binned following an argument near the posts, reducing both teams to 14 men.
Wesley sealed the contest when Kesara Rahul crossed for a try, with Johar converting to make it 36-7.
Mahanama had the final say when fly-half Malinka Dhanuja scored a late try in the 69th minute, but the conversion attempt by Ratnayake went astray, leaving the final score at 36-12.
Despite the defeat, Mahanama showed courage and promise, while Wesley demonstrated their class to secure a comfortable win in the end.
