Isipathana College were made to fight hard by Science College before pulling off a close 18 points to 9 win in their opening match of their  Dialog Schools Rugby League campaigns, at Havelock Park yesterday.

Isipathana having taken a slender 13-06 lead at the breather accumulated their points through three tires and a penalty, to the three penalties scored by Science College.

Much was expected from the Isipathana side who are noted for their fast open game but it was not to be, as they found it hard to get past the Science defence, who restricted them to two tries and a penalty in the first half and a solitary try in the second half.

For Isipathana, Fullback Malith Minsara went over for their first try and then booted over a penalty with hooker Venura Sangeeth scoring the second try. For Science College, Flyhalf Naveen Kanishka booted over two penalties.

The second half proved to be a drab affair with the Isipathana College and Science College scoring just a try and a penalty, with Chamath Iroshan touching down for Isipathana and B. Ranaweera booting over for Science College.

Photo: Isipathana College scored three tries and a penalty in their win over Science College (Photo by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe)