Royal College kept back their undefeated record intact with a striking 27-14 win over Wesley College in their Dialog Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament match at Havelock Park yesterday, after leading 7-6 at half time.
In the first half, it was a diligently fought affair. Wesley took the lead in the fifth minute through a 40-metre penalty by full back Abdul Haadhi. Ten minutes later, Haadhi added another penalty from 45 metres to make it 6-0.
Royal College strike back 15 minutes before half time with a try by full back Yuwan Pathirana. Nabil Yahiya, in good kicking form, added the extra points, bringing the score to 7-6 at the break.
Early in the second half, Wesley flowed ahead when Haadhi put over a 40-metre penalty in the 10th minute, making the score 9-7 in favour of the Campbell Park School.
Nevertheless, Royal quickly reclaimed the lead when Yahiya put over a 40-metre penalty, making it 10-9. The Reid Avenue School extended their lead with a try by prop forward Tineth Gamage, with Yahiya adding the extra points to make it 17-9. Yahiya was successful with another 40 metre penalty kick, putting the Royalists further ahead at 20-9. Off a quick line out, Prop forward Gamage powered his way on the blind side to touch down by the left corner flag. Yahiya’s spectacular conversion brought the score to 27-9.
The Wesleyites struggled back in the dying stages of the game, scoring an unconverted try through prop forward Ashan Emmanuel. However, Royal College ran out worthy winners by 27 points to 9.
Sinhala 
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