Wesley College came up with a powerful 2nd half performance to outplay Science College by 38 points (6T, 4C) to nil in their Dialog Schools Rugby knock-out quarter-final against Science College, played at Havelock Park.
Science College, kicking off the proceedings, sustained some early attacking pressure by the Wesley backs before creating a few opportunities of their own in somewhat of a slow start by both the teams. Science College had the opportunity to get on the scoreboard first when they were awarded two back-to-back penalties in the early exchanges, but both the attempts at goal by Science College fly half U. I. Dilshan astoundingly smacked against the posts. Wesley, after a slow start, found some attacking impetus from there onwards and managed to finally break the ice in the 23rd minute through their winger Maleesha Thirangama, after some fine handling and foot work by Skipper Tharusha Jayaweera. Fly half Shaveen Jayawardane was unable to add the extras from a difficult angle (WC -05 – SC 00). Science College did have a good opportunity to score for themselves towards the end of the first half, but poor handling and some good defense by the Wesley forwards prevented their opponents from troubling the score board and went into the break with a slender lead.
Half Time: Wesley 05 (1T) – Science 00.
Wesley College got their second half to a much better start, and the early pressures started to reap dividends as Science College started to throw in weak and desperate last-ditch tackles to thwart the Double Blues from crossing the goal line. However, their efforts did not last long as Wesley scored their second try of the game in the 41st minute through their other Winger Nithila Rodrigo, after some good work by the Wesley forwards and good vision by scrum half Shane Hopwood. Jaywardane’s conversion kick missed yet again, albeit from a different angle, but he was on target a few minutes later with the ever-impressive Hafiz Thabeeth powering his way through from close range (WC 17 – SC 00).
Flanker Chamodh Nimsara was next to add his name on the scorers list in the 56th minute as he managed to power his way through from close quarters against a tired Science defense. Jayawardane made no mistake with the conversion before being substituted, and with that the game was well and truly secured. (WC 24 – SC 00)
Scrum half Shane Hopwood, who started in place of the injured Rigesh Muralitharan, certainly did justice to his call up with a fine performance. He capped off his evening with a fine try and converted it himself to extend the lead to 31 points. With the cake already baked , the Double Blues added the icing on it when Skipper Tharusha Jaywaeera scoring a beautiful try under the posts, giving Hopwood an easy kick at goal before Referee Ishanka Abeykoon ended the game without any further misery being piled on the boys from Mount Lavinia, who clearly ran out of steam. (WC 38 – SC 00)
Wesley will now face the formidable Joes in the semi-finals next weekend.
Full Time: Wesley 38 (6T,4C) – Science 00
- NDB Player of Match: Shane Hopwood (Wesley College Scrum Half)
 to nil in their Dialog Schools Rugby knock-out quarter-final against Science College, played at Havelock Park.){kind=link}