Wesley outclass Rajans
Wesley College not only ended their Dialog Schools Rugby League Round 1 with a win, but also moved forward to Round 2 with a magnificent performance after beating Dharmaraja College by 31 points (5 tries, 3 conversions) to 12 points (2 tries, 1 conversion) at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday. At the short breather winners led 19-5.
The game was a scrappy affair early in the first half, but Wesley came back to form after about 15 minutes of play. Meanwhile Rajans could not capitalise on their momentum of play also while with possession they could not convert in to points making number of handling errors. For the Double Blues scrum half Rigesh Muralitharan, lock Akinda Gammanpila, Thabith Hafiz and skipper Tharusha Jayaweera were outstanding while in attack plus in defense.
Meanwhile for the Rajans their co-captains, Saumya Wijesiri and Thenuka Wickremasinghe played their hearts out. The rest of the home team players lacked the finishing touches and ball handling was below average.
Wesley drew first blood in the eighth minute of the game through Tharusha Jayaweera who dashed down the wing to score their first try. Ten minutes later Nithila Rodrigo touched down their second try which was converted by Shaveen Jayawardena. Hafiz Thabeeth powered his way for Wesley College third try which was goaled by Jayawardena. On stroke of half time Rajans full back, Saumya Wijesiri went over their first try.
After the turnaround Nithila Rodrigo and Tharusha Jayaweera scored their second tries in the game. One of the conversions was taken successfully by Shane Hopwood. Rajans scored their consultation try through their co-captain Thenuka Wickremasinghe. Referee Aaqil Jamaldeen controlled the game well.
Wesley will move alongside Isipathana to Round 2 from their group. Meanwhile from the other group Royal have already advanced to the next stage while the remaining slot will be decided between either St. Joseph’s or Trinity.