Wesley weather early scare to defeat Mahanama
Wesley College survived a series of anxious moments before powering their way to a 36-12 victory over Mahanama College in their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 match played at Ratmalana yesterday, after leading 19-7 at half-time.
Despite the final margin, Mahanama produced a spirited performance and tested a stronger Wesley outfit, especially in the opening stages. Wesley struck first as early as the fourth minute when winger Prarthana Rodrigo finished off a move near the corner, with centre Ayhan Johar adding the conversion to make it 7-0.
Mahanama responded immediately. Just two minutes later, fullback Nethum Nimviru produced a thrilling run to score near the posts, and Sithum Ratnayake converted to level the scores at 7-all. Wesley regained the lead in the 13th minute when winger Ayyan Hussain crossed over in the left corner, though the conversion was missed, giving them a 12-7 advantage.
They extended their lead five minutes later through a powerful lineout maul, with No.8 Pavan Thiranagama going over near the posts. Johar added the extras as Wesley moved ahead 19-7. Mahanama had an opportunity to reduce the deficit just before the break after Hussain was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute, but Ratnayake missed a penalty, leaving Wesley with a 19-7 lead at halftime.
The Wesleyites came back strongly after the resumption, scoring their fourth and bonus-point try just three minutes into the second half to stretch the lead to 24-7. Fullback Mohamed Fawaz added another try in the 50th minute, increasing Wesley’s advantage to 29-7 as they began to take firm control of the game.
Tempers flared briefly as two players from each side were sin-binned following an argument near the posts, reducing both teams to 14 men for a short period. Wesley sealed the game when Kesara Rahul touched down, with Johar converting to push the score to 36-7.
Mahanama fought until the end and were rewarded in the 69th minute when flyhalf Malinka Dhanuja scored a consolation try. Ratnayake’s conversion attempt went wide, leaving the final score at 36-12. At the final whistle, Wesley emerged comfortable winners, but Mahanama earned praise for their brave and determined display.