Dragons defeat Panthers in Rugby League Men’s 13s Championship
Dragons Rugby League Club (RLC) secured a hard-fought 22–18 victory over Accra Panthers in a closely contested Rugby League Men’s 13s Championship match week two game at the University of Ghana Rugby League field.
Both teams displayed mental toughness and strong physical skills, but it was the Dragons who showed composure in the decisive moments to claim victory.
The Accra Panthers came out firing, with Marsuru Adams crossing the line and successfully converting his try to put his team ahead 6–0.
The Dragons responded with Chris Dagama running over the line, followed by a John Bless conversion to level the score at 6–6.
The Panthers regained momentum with Williams Asilevi touching down in the 26th minute. Kofi Adusei extended the lead with a try six minutes later, putting the score at 14–6 in their favour.
The Dragons clawed their way back into the contest with Elvis Ayetey crossing the line before Bless converted, to reduce the deficit to 14–12 heading into the break.
After the break, Sheriff Arimiyaw extended Panthers’ lead to 18 with a try, but Ayetey replicated same at the other side of the field in the 59th minute, reducing the deficit to two points.
Ayetey completed his hat-trick in dramatic fashion in the 78th minute, before Chris Dagama successfully converted a minute later, extending the lead to 22–18.
Despite a strong rally, the Panthers were unable to close out the game, as the Dragons showed composure and resilience in the final stages to secure victory.
In the second game of the day, the defending champions, Bulls, delivered a ruthless 52–0 victory over Skolars, to maintain a perfect defensive record with zero points conceded this season.
The last game of the day saw Nungua Tigers secure a 22–2 victory over Titans.
Match day three will feature the first Friday night games dubbed “Friday Footy Live Edition” on May 8. This will include a triple-header with Skolars taking on Titans, Accra Panthers facing Nungua Tigers, and Bulls clashing with Dragons in a blockbuster showdown between the league’s two undefeated heavyweights.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
