In the Dialog School Rugby League 2023, Royal College displayed a stellar performance, overpowering Vidyartha College with a commanding 47-3 victory at the Royal Complex.
Royal College asserted their physical dominance, leaving Vidyartha College unable to match their strength. The match took a toll on Vidyartha College, with two players being stretchered off and several others forced to leave the field.
Although it took some time for the hosts to find their rhythm in the first half, Vidyartha College maintained their strategy of launching fast-paced attacks against their opponents. They came close to scoring an opening try when Deshan Balasuriya broke through the defense line, but Phylio Calyanarathne’s try-saving ankle tap prevented him from crossing the try line.
Initially, Royal College appeared ragged, and their troubles compounded when scrum half Simak Shafeek was sent off, reducing them to 14 players. However, this setback did not hurt the hosts, leading them to score the first try of the game. It was Thineth Gamage who powered himself under the post after taking the ball inside the 10-meter mark. Thivain Perera added the extras. (RC 7 – 0 VCK)
Vidyartha College seized an opportunity to open their scorecard with a 40-meter penalty, but missed the target, with Adhithya Ranaweera failing to convert.
>>Photos – Royal College vs Vidyartha College | Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023<<
The final 15 minutes of the first half proved decisive as Royal College scored three consecutive tries, securing a bonus point. Charana Perera outmuscled the defense to touch down for the second try, while Perera claimed the third try by carrying the ball from Royal’s signature rolling maul. Just before Half Time, Tharusha Samarakoon added their fourth try by exploiting the rolling maul and leaping over the try line. Scrum half Shafeek successfully converted two tries to take a big lead going into the break.
Half Time: Royal College 26 (4T, 3C) – Vidyartha College 0
After Half Time, Royal College extended their lead by scoring their fifth try of the match. It was a remarkable effort seen on the part of winger Charuka Senevirathne. While he claimed the try, the entire team contributed by working the ball from their own half, involving their forwards, and then spreading it wide for Senevirathne to score. Simak Shafeek added the extras. (RC 33 – 0 VCK)
During a period when Royal College had 14 players on the field twice due to the yellow cards shown to Captain Randul Senanayake and Thanveer Hassen, Vidyartha College failed to capitalize on this advantage, with Royal’s defense holding firm under pressure.
Once Royal College regained their full team, they resumed their dominance, securing their sixth try as winger Disas Pathirana broke through the defense line and accelerated to score under the posts. Nabil Yahiya added the extras. (RC 40 – 0 VCK)
The hosts remained determined to increase their lead and found another try through Ajmal Marikkar. It was similar to all four tries in the first half, where the powerful prop forward shoved through the defense to reach the try line. Yahiya was once again accurate with the conversion. (RC 47 – 0 VCK)
Despite enduring the powerful challenges posed by the Big Royal Forwards, Vidyartha College demonstrated resilience. However, all they could manage was a drop goal by Udeesha Rathnayake seconds before the game ended.
Full Time: Royal College 47 (7T, 6C) – Vidyartha College 3 (1DG)
NDB Player of the Match: Duljaya Gamanayake (Royal College)
Points Breakdown
Royal College: 47
Tries: Charana Perera (2), Thineth Gamage, Tharusha Samarakoon, Charuka Senevirathne, Disas Pathirana, Ajmal Marikkar
Conversions: Simak Shafeek (3), Nabil Yahiya (2), Thivain Perera (1)
Vidyartha College: 3
Drop Goal: Udeesha Rathnayake
