By M. Shamil Amit

Wesley College ended their first-round campaign of the Singer Under-19 Inter-Schools League Rugby Tournament on a winning note when they defeated Dharmaraja College by 23 points to 15 in the match played at Longden Place yesterday.

Wesley having taken a comfortable 18-10 lead at the breather made up their points through a goal, two tries and two penalties as against to a penalty goal, a try and a penalty scored by Dharmaraja.

Wesley drew first blood in the eighth minute through a try scored by flanker Ryan Samuel and Dexter Goonetileke added the extra points. 

Wesley increased their lead five minutes later with winger Kavindana Perera going over for an unconverted try. 

Wesley continued their domination and in the 18th minute full back Mursheed Zubair made no mistake with a penalty conversion.

However, the Rajans got their act together and made their first scoring through a penalty try.

They further reduced the deficit with fly half Vishal Ranaweera converting a penalty.

On resumption, Dharmaraja surprised the Wesleyites with a barrage of attacks and burly number eight Manuka Heyarapitiya went over for a try but the kick at goal was fluffed.

With Wesley leading by a slender three points (18-15) it looked like that was going to be final score before Wesley burst into action with winger Kavindana Perera going over for his second unconverted try to give  his side an easy 23-15 victory in the end.

Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon 

Caption:
Wesley flanker Ryan Samuel going over for a try

Pic by Nisal Baduge