Wesley College secured their second victory in the 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League with a dominant 70-3 win over newcomers Thurstan College at the Airforce Grounds in Ratmalana.
Wesley College started the game with a strong performance, skillfully spreading the ball from the left to the right winger, Kaveesha Dilhara. He scored two tries within the first six minutes, putting his team in a commanding position. (TC 00 – 10 WC)
The Double Blues continued their relentless attack on the Thurstan College team. A quick blindside move by halfback Adeeb Yooseph created an opening for outside center Dillon De Silva, who crossed over in the right corner to score the third try. (TC 00 – 15 WC)
Wesley College’s relentless attack continued, with tries coming steadily as they advanced from their own half. Quick passes created space for the powerful No. 8, Sandul Gammanpila, who made a spectacular break through the Thurstan defense, easily fending off the last defender to score the bonus point try. (TC 00 – 20 WC)
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The running rugby continued as winger Mohamed Fawaz dazzled through the Thurstan defense with his exceptional side-stepping. He then executed a perfect dummy pass to deceive the final defender, scoring another brilliant individual try. (TC 00 – 25 WC)
Dillon De Silva made an excellent break by taking a quick tap, catching the Thurstan defenders off guard. His laser-like pass to Kaizer Lye allowed the playmaker to score under the posts. Abdul Haadhi then added the extras from the kicking tee.
The Double Blues deservedly had the final say of the half when they turned over a five-meter scrum. Sandul Gammanpila collected the ball and crashed his way over, giving the visitors a 37-point lead at the break
Half Time: Thurstan College 00 – Wesley College 37 (7T,1C)
Wesley College started the second half just as they had ended the first. Playmaker Kaizer Lye made a brilliant break and delivered a pinpoint kick to the sprinting Adeeb Yooseph, who touched down in the corner with Abdul Haadhi converting. (TC 00 – 44 WC)
Thurstan College opened the scoring with a penalty goal by Nathupul Lasanda, following a Wesley infringement at the breakdown. Wesley soon hit back through their captain, Shem Mendis. From a lineout, Hazim Thabeeth collected the ball and passed to Nanam Hemachandra, who then popped a pass to Mendis, allowing the skipper to crash over for a try with Abdul Haadhi converting. (TC 03 – 51 WC)
Wesley continued their complete domination, with victory seeming inevitable. Their forwards executed patient pick-and-gos, eventually releasing the ball to the backs, resulting in Dillon De Silva touching down for a converted try. (TC 03 – 58 WC)
In the dying moments of the game, the Double Blues added two more tries to their tally. Adeeb Yooseph scored his second try, while Kaizer Lye also secured his second, sealing a comprehensive victory
Full Time: Thurstan College 03 (1P) – Wesley College 70 (12T,5C)
- NDB Player of the Match: Kaizer Lye (Wesley College)
Points Breakdown
Thurstan – Nethupul Lasanda 3 points (1 Pen)
Wesley – Kaveesha Dilhara 10 Points (2 Tries), Dillon De Silva 10 points (2 Tries), Sandul Gammanpila 10 points (2 Tries), Kaizer Lye 12 points (2 Tries, 1 Conversion), Mohamed Fawaz 5 points (1 Try), Adeeb Yooseph 10 points (2 Tries), Shem Mendis 5 points (1 Try), Abdul Haadhi 8 points (4 Conversions)
