Wesley College delivered a clinical performance to comprehensively defeat the defending champions St. Peter’s College 23-5 in their fourth-week clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, played at Havelock Park.
Two unbeaten teams from Group 1A faced off in the marquee Week 4 clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025, as Vishenka Silva got proceedings underway for St. Peter’s College.
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The Peterites dominated the early exchanges, enjoying both territory and possession, but were unable to convert their momentum into points. Wesley College, however, made the most of their first real attacking opportunity when they were awarded a penalty for a high tackle by Rehan Shaheed. Abdul Haadhi made no mistake from the tee, drawing first blood for the home side. (WC 03–00 SPC)
Wesley continued to apply pressure, forcing the Peterites into errors, conceding penalties and losing possession at crucial moments. Capitalising on the momentum, Wesley’s forwards drove the ball close to the line with a series of disciplined phases. Scrum-half Sharfaan Wadood then spotted an opening on the short side and fired a quick pass to playmaker Kaizer Lye, who darted over for the first try of the game. (WC 08–00 SPC)
St. Peter’s woes continued as tight head prop Januth Rathnayake was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Wesley nearly punished them further, but a potential try was ruled out after Kaizer Lye’s final pass to Kaveesha Dilhara was deemed forward.
Despite the disallowed try, Wesley College headed into Half Time with a deserved lead.
Half Time: Wesley College 08 (1T,1P) – St. Peter’s College 00
The home side started the second half with a gift from the Peterites, as a breakdown infringement allowed Abdul Haadhi to extend Wesley’s lead with a straightforward penalty. (WC 11–00 SPC)
Wesley’s forwards soon took control, unleashing a dominant rolling maul that left the Peterite pack struggling. After drawing a penalty for collapsing the first maul, Wesley executed the next one to perfection, driving hooker Pawan Thiranagama over the line for their second try with Haadhi converting. (WC 18–00 SPC)
Things went from bad to worse for St. Peter’s when Lakindu Ranasinghe was shown a yellow card for an on-field altercation. Wesley made full use of the numerical advantage, kicking to the corner once again. The result was familiar – another powerful driving maul, and another try for Thiranagama, who bagged his brace to put the game out of reach. (WES 23–00 SPC)
Despite a late dip in discipline that saw Wesley reduced to 13 men, following yellow cards to both Abdul Haadhi and Naham Hemachandra, the Peterites only managed to score once. With just minutes left, the visitors finally strung together some clean phases, and forward Revone Perera powered through to score a consolation try.
This victory marked Wesley College’s first win over St. Peter’s since 2017. Adding a historical note, current Skipper Sandul Gammanpila joined his father Asanka Gammanpila – who captained Wesley to victory over the Peterites in 1998 – as the first father-son duo to lead Wesley to wins against St. Peter’s.
Full Time: Wesley College 23 (3T,1C,2P) – St. Peter’s College 05 (1T)
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Pawan Thiranagama (Wesley College)
Points Breakdown
Wesley College 23
Kaizer Lye 1T, Pawan Thiranagama 2T, Abdul Haadhi 1C,2P
St. Peter’s College 05
Revone Perera 1T.
