Wesley College showcased a powerful performance against Ananda College, clinching a 43–11 victory at Havelock Park to remain unbeaten after five weeks of exciting action in Group 1A. They conclude the first round strongly as they head into the all-important Cup Championship race alongside Trinity, S. Thomas’, Isipathana, Royal, and St. Peter’s.
Wesley will be seeking sweet revenge as they next face Isipathana in a rematch of the knockout quarter-final, where Pathana emerged victorious with a 24–10 win.
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The two teams met on the rugby field after 16 long years — the last encounter being in 2009 at Longden Place, when Wesley stormed through with a 42–10 victory during their unbeaten B-Division Championship run. Wesley are now enjoying a long-awaited five-match winning streak, a feat not achieved in many years. Back in 2017, under the leadership of Denister Goonetillake and Avantha Lee, the Campbell Park boys bounced back after a league opener loss against Trinity to register wins against Prince of Wales, S. Thomas’, Zahira, Science, St. Joseph’s, and St. Peter’s.
Coming in as fancied favourites after toppling defending champions St. Peter’s last week, the Double Blues started off in style, with a second-minute try from Prarthana Rodrigo, converted by deputy skipper Abdul Haadi. Rodrigo secured his second try shortly after, further extending Wesley’s lead. However, Kavisha Dilhara (14), the Wesley speedster, received a yellow card in the 22nd minute for a late charge, momentarily slowing their momentum.
Ananda capitalized on Wesley’s mistakes, with Deneth Chamuditha landing two penalties to narrow the gap to 12–6. But Wesley quickly responded as skipper Sandul Gammanpila barged through for another try, converted by Haadi. Just before halftime, Pawan Thiranagama scored the crucial bonus-point try for Wesley.
Half-time: Wesley College 24 – 06 Ananda College
The second half started strong for Wesley, with the silent killer Hamdan Safraz scoring early. A brilliant visionary kick by Abdul Haadi in the 44th minute was collected by Kyzer Lye for Wesley’s sixth try.
Ananda finally breached Wesley’s defense in the 61st minute with a superb kick-and-chase try, making the score 38–11. Wesley rounded off their scoring in the 66th minute with a try from a rolling maul, solidifying their dominant win.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Sandul Gammanpila (WCC)
Full-time: Wesley 43 (7T 4C) beat Ananda 11 (1T 2P)
