Royal College defeated Wesley College 16 (1T 1C 3P) – 21 (3T 3C) courtesy a hat-trick from Hooker Danuja Samanaratne at Longdon Place, to kick off the Super round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League.
Visitors Royal made two changes as Wesley College stuck to their big guns, hoping to topple the defending champions.
The hosts Wesley got off to a good start, and went on to lead the visitors courtesy three penalties off the book of Five-eighth Jayawardena.
Two from in front and one from a tricky angle were nailed to perfection as the Les-blue stunned the onlooking supporters. (WC 09-00 RC)
Royal College finally penetrated the home team as their forwards failed to put up to the pressure applied by the Royalists.
Hooker Danuja Samanaratne pounced on the opportunity thirty minutes into the game, crashing over from the tail of a maul to score the opener for Royal. Nabeel Yahiya added the extras as the visitor cut the deficit to 2-points.
Half time: Wesley College 09 (3P) lead Royal College 07 (1T 1C)
Both teams had plenty to play for going into the second half, as nothing but a win was enough for both teams in their pursuit of the Championship.
The visitors started off the second 35 in the perfect manner as NDB Player of the Match Danuja Samanaratne managed a second for Royal, this time on the opposite side of the field.
The hooker completed his hat-trick moments later as the game headed towards a crucial juncture. Nabeel Yahiya completed the pair of kicks to make it 3-out-of-3 on the evening. (WC 09-21 RC)
Wesley College received a pair of penalties in kickable range: however, the hosts opted against going for goal the first time, as Jayawardena missed his first of the evening as two opportunities went begging, securing the game for the visitors.
With the game all but conceded, the home team strung one final attack after the hooter to score, as Skipper Jayaweera set up fly half Jayawardena for a consolation try. Jayawardena added the extras as the game drew to a close.
Royal College must be kicking themselves as they failed to secure the bonus point. However, their hunt in retaining the Dialog Schools Rugby League continues into the final week.
Full time: Wesley College 16 (1T 1C 3P) lost to Royal College 21 (3T 3C)
NDB Player of the Match: Danuja Samanaratne (RC Hooker)
Points Breakdown
Wesley College:
- Jayawardena 1T 1C 3P
Royal College:
- Danuja Samanaratne 3T, Nabeel Yahiya 3C
 - 21 (3T 3C) courtesy a hat-trick from Hooker Danuja Samanaratne at Longdon Place, to kick off the Super round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League.){kind=link}