Wesley College humbled a slack St. Joseph’s outfit to end the first round of the Dialog Schools’ Rugby League 2024 with a comprehensive 12 (2T 1C) – 34 (5T 3C 1P) at Havelock Park, securing 3rd place in Group 2A.
St. Joseph’s were compelled to start Clive Hingert as Nathan missed out due to injury, while Malshan Dewmin also made a return from illness.
Wesley College began with Lye at Halfback, and inform Fullback Abdul Hadhi.
The home side got off to a flyer thanks to Senithu Eran as the nippy number 9 stepped his way through the heart of the Wesley defence to score the opener. Ivano White failed to add the extras from beside the posts (SJC 05-00 WC)
The half was dominated by the Les-Blue as the Josephains squandered opportunity after opportunity.
Wesley scored under the post as Naheel Jayah found himself crashing over the white-wash! Abdul Haadhi added the extras from in-front. (SJC 05-07 WC)
Abdul Haadhi set up winger M. Fawaz as the visitors extended their lead to add salt into the Josepian wounds as they were held up in-goal moments earlier.
Haadhi added the extras this time around as the young Wesley outfit were warming up to the task. (SJC 05-12 WC)
St. Joseph’s managed to strike back just before half time as Raban was sent off for a second yellow card.
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Beeshma Jayasekara sold a dummy, sneaking through a hole in the Wesley defence to draw level.
Minutes later Thahir Bazeer scored on the stroke of half-time to ensure Wesley went into lemons with the lead!
Half time: St. Joseph’s College 12 (2T 1C) trail Wesley College 17 (3T 1C)
The second half was dominated by the visitors as they held the Josephians scoreless, producing a half to relish!
Haadhi first slotted home from an a-cute angle to make it a two score game, virtually killing off the Josephians.
The Josephians kept on trying to penetrate the Wesley defence, however, butter fingers and sloppy play meant the home side failed time and time again.
Two converted tries from giant Lock Sanruk Gamage ensured the visitors secured the game. (SJC 12-34 WC)
St. Joseph’s College tried to penetrate the visitors defence to no avail as the game was brought to an end, handing Wesley a well-deserved win and with it 3rd place on the points table.
Full time: St. Joseph’s College 12 (2T 1C) lost to Wesley College 34 (5T 3C 1P)
NDB Player of the Match: M. Fawaz (WC Winger)
Points Breakdown:
SJC: Senithu Eran 1T, Beeshma Jayasekara 1T 1C
Wesley: Naheel Jayah 1T, M. Fawaz 1T, Thahir Bazeer 1T, Sanruk Gamage 2T, Abdul Hadhi 3C 1P