Royal moves steps closer to League

Wesley player wins the ball in line out 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Royal 21 points

Wesley 16 points

Royal College moved a step closer in defending their League title when they beat Wesley College 21/16 with a superb second half rally.

At the short breather it was the double Blues who lead 9/7.

Wesley dominated proceedings in the initial half with some brave moves. Their play maker was their fly half, Shaveen Jayawardena who had a grand game scoring all the points for the Wesley outfit.

Meanwhile the Royal outfit took time to settle down eventually doing it later in the first half. Their full back, Nabeel Yahiya and hooker, Danuja Samararatne both played their hearts out. In fact, Nabeel touch kicks gained lot of territory advantage for the Reid Avenue outfit.

Wesley put over three penalties in the first half which the Royal replied with one try by Danuja Samaratne. Nabeel added the extra two points from a very difficult angle to take the short breather at 7/9 trailing by two points. After the turn around through a maul Royal scored in the 45th minute of the game through Danuja Samararatne. Nabeel added the extras to take the lead at 14/9 favouring Royal. Royal who dominated the latter half once game in the same fashion went over for their third try once again by their hooker, Danuja. Nabeel added the extras.

Wesley who never gave up kept on their fighting spirit attacking in the injury time and scoring through Shaveen Jayawardena. He added the extra two points but ended on the losing side. Referee Ishanka Abeykoon had a grand outing.

With this win Wesley College chances of the League fades away while Royal will need a win against Isipathana in their final encounter but the tussle between Isipathana and Royal could go in to bonus point to decide the winners of the league.