Wesley College passed the litmus test against Science College with a superb 63-15 hammering on Saturday (7th) at Havelock Park in their Dialog Schools Rugby season opener. The game proved to be a true showcase of Double Blue dominance, as the lads from Campbell Park ran in nine tries to stamp their authority early in the season. These two teams last met in 2022 at the same venue, where Wesley, under Tharusha Jayaweera, triumphed 35-00. Science College, meanwhile, continues to search for a win since their 2019 heroics at Ratmalana.
Just three minutes into the game, Wesley opened the scoring through a try by Hamdan Shafraz. Vice-captain Abdul Haadhi slotted over the conversion. (7-0)
10th minute – Science skipper Dilruwan Perera slotted a penalty to show early intent. (7-3)
A few minutes later, Wesley’s Pawan Thiranagama (No. 5) was sent to the sin-bin. However, what followed was nothing short of brilliant as the Les Bleus responded with three quick tries during their time down to 14 men.
Wesley halfback Sharfaan Wadood—one of the smallest players on the field—fended off a few defenders and darted over for a brilliant try. Haadhi made no mistake with the conversion. (14-3)
21st minute – Big prop forward Nelith Hapugalle bulldozed his way over for Wesley’s third try. Haadhi was once again on target. (21-3)
Just a minute later, Hamdan Shafraz powered through the Science defence to secure the bonus-point try. Haadhi added the extras. (28-3)
31st minute – Damitha Hettiarachchi crossed the line for Science College’s first try, offering a glimmer of hope. Skipper Perera added the conversion.
Just before halftime, Wesley’s vice-captain and playmaker Abdul Haadhi scored and converted his own try to cap off a dominant first half. (35-10)
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Half-time: Wesley College 35 – Science College 10
- 42nd minute – Wesley picked up right where they left off, with Manuga Jayaweera scoring the first try of the second half. Haadhi continued his flawless kicking streak. (42-10)
- 49th minute – Keshara Rahul added another try for Wesley. Unsurprisingly, Haadhi converted with ease. (49-10)
- 55th minute – Deputy skipper Hashim Thabeeth scored under the posts, and Haadhi’s 100% kicking record remained intact. (56-10)
- 65th minute – Manuga Jayaweera grabbed his second try of the match. This time, it was Fawaz Fawmy (No. 13) who stepped up and slotted the conversion to put the final nail in the coffin. (63-10)
- 70th minute – Udan Gamage (No. 4) scored a consolation try for Science College in the final passage of play.
The match was officiated by referee Gihan Yatawara.
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Hamdan Safraz (WCC)
Full-time: Wesley 63 (9T 9C) beat Science 15 (2T 1C 1P)
Points Breakdown:
Wesley – Hamdan Shafraz 2 tries (10 points) , Sharfaan Wadood 1 try (5 points), Nelith Hapugalle 1 try (5 points), Manuga Jayaweera 1 try (5 points), Keshara Rahul 2 tries (10 points), Hashim Thabeeth (VC) 1 try (5 points). Abdul Haadhi 1 try, 8 conversions (21 points), Fawaz Fawmy 1 penalty (3 points)
Science – Damitha Hettiarachchi 1 try (5 points), Udan Gamage1 try (5 points), Dilruwan Perera 1 conversion, 1 penalty (5 points)
 at Havelock Park in their Dialog Schools Rugby season opener.){kind=link}