Isipathana College ended the first round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023, defeating Wesley College 24 (4T 2C) – 11 (1T 2P) in their final game, which concluded at Havelock Park.
Both teams made their way into the game with 2 changes each – Isipathana having made two in the forwards, while Wesley made two in the three-quarters.
The unbeaten Green Machine began the brighter with an early try through giant lock forward Kenula Hettiarchchi. His try wasn’t converted by Rinesh Silva as the young winger failed with the extras. (IC 05-00 WC)
The visitors cut the deficit and grabbed a surprise lead thanks to Abdul Haardi, as the fullback knocked over a pair of penalties either side of Abdul Ahamad being sent to the bin for cynically, deliberately knocking on the ball. (IC 05-06 WC)
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The Wesley lead was short-lived as Rinesh Silva scored twice to regain the lead and extend the Pathana lead, leaving Wesley in familiar territory, trailing the Green Machine.
Silva added the finishing touches to a sublime move he started and moments later, scoring untouched after collecting a loose ball and dotting over.
Silva converted the first try, however failed with the second, leaving Wesley trailing by 11 points at half time.
Half Time: Isipathana College 17 (3T 1C) lead Wesley College 06 (2P)
Wesley bit back through a try from their ever reliable center-cum-winger Rodrigo, as he pegged back the Isipathana rally after halftime. However, Lye’s failed conversion meant the Pathana lead continued even though Wesley pressed hard. (IC 17-11 WC)
That was that for Wesley as Isipathana stepped on the gas, this time scoring through Skipper Naveen Kanishka.
The five-eighth found himself at the right place at the right time, showing and diving over the white wash to score the hosts’ 4th try, securing yet another bonus point victory.
Silva added the extras, sealing the deal for the Green Machine. (IC 24-11 WC)
Wesley pushed hard – however, the compact Isipathana defence held firm, keeping Wesley at bay and not yielding any further points.
Full Time: Isipathana College 24 (4T 2C) beat Wesley College 11 (1T 2P)
NDB Player of the Match: Rinesh Silva (IC Winger)
Points Breakdown:
IC: Kenula Hettiarchchi 1T, Rinesh Silva 2T 2C, Naveen Kanishka 1T
WC: Rodrigo 1T, Abdul Haardi 2P
 – 11 (1T 2P) in their final game, which concluded at Havelock Park. ){kind=link}