A superlative performance from Wesley College in the second half secured a massive victory over Vidyartha College, with a commanding 34-20 win in their 7th-week encounter of the 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League, held at Nittawela.
Vidyartha College was eager to start this crucial match strongly. Rusith Thamodya’s clearance kick was well pursued by winger Sadew Dilshan, who put significant pressure on Wesley’s fullback, Abdul Haadhi, resulting in a penalty. Vidyartha chose to take a quick tap and gained a few meters toward the try line. They earned another penalty and used the same tactic. Quick hands from the backs allowed Adithya Ranaweera to spot a gap and race over for the first try, which Thamodya successfully converted. (VCK 07 – 00 WC)
The home team dominated the game, while the visitors made several errors. However, Wesley managed to score unexpectedly when a clearance kick from Rusith Thamodya was charged down by blindside flanker Naham Hemachandra. Skipper Shem Mendis collected the loose ball and went over to score. Abdul Haadhi’s successful conversion brought the game to a 7-all deadlock.
Vidyartha College bounced back strongly after conceding, coming close to scoring. However, Wesley’s solid rush defense thwarted their efforts. During this defensive period, Wesley conceded a penalty, and Vidyartha chose to take a shot at goal. Thamodya converted the penalty, putting Vidyartha back in front. (VCK 10 – 07 WC)
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After the restart, Wesley College had a chance to equalize with a kickable penalty from Abdul Haadhi, but the kick struck the right upright and veered away. Following the 22-meter restart, both teams exchanged a few territorial kicks. Eventually, Abdul Haadhi chose to run through the Vidyartha defense, using his impressive stepping skills to break through. He offloaded to speedster Kaveesha Dilhara, who sprinted 55 meters to score a brilliant try. To cap off the move, Haadhi converted the try from the corner, adding the extra points. (VCK 10 – 14 WC)
On the brink of halftime, Vidyartha was desperate to score. They earned a penalty and chose to take a quick tap. The forwards made several strong carries before the ball was passed to the backs. Rusith Thamodya delivered an outrageous long pass that released Adithya Ranaweera, who crashed over to score. Thamodya then added the extras with a successful conversion, giving Vidyartha a slender lead as they went into the break.
Half Time: Vidyartha College 17 (2T,2C,1P) – Wesley College 14 (2T,2C)
The Double Blues emerged from the break with increased firepower. They won an early penalty, which brought them closer to the try line. Several pick-and-drives by the forwards disrupted the Vidyartha defense. Abdul Haadhi capitalized on this with a deft step inside to outfox the home defense and then stepped outside to score. He converted his own try, regaining the lead for Wesley. (VCK 17 – 21 WC)
Soon after, both teams traded penalties: Abdul Haadhi added three points for Wesley, while Rusith Thamodya put points on the board for the home side. In between these penalties, Wesley lost Dillion De Silva to a yellow card. (VCK 20 – 24 WC)
Wesley College continued to test the Vidyartha defense as Sandul Gammanpila broke through a rolling maul, advancing play to the 22-meter mark. A late tackle by Rusith Thamodya on Mohamed Fawaz, who was attempting a quick chip kick, earned Wesley a penalty and resulted in a yellow card for Thamodya. Abdul Haadhi converted the penalty, giving the Double Blues a 7-point lead. (VCK 20 – 27 WC)
Vidyartha College made several attacking moves and came close to scoring, but Wesley’s solid defense kept them at bay. After weathering the defensive pressure, Wesley seized an opportunity when a clearance kick from their own red zone was fumbled into touch by Adithya Ranaweera, allowing Wesley to advance into Vidyartha’s red zone. Quick ball movement to the tall second-rower Sanruk Gamage enabled him to power over for a bonus-point try. Abdul Haadhi converted the try, securing a decisive victory in this crucial away game.
Full Time: Vidyartha College 20 (2T,2C,2P) – Wesley College 34 (4T,4C,2P)
- NDB Player of the Match: Abdul Haadhi (Wesley College)
Points Breakdown
Vidyartha College 20
Adithya Ranaweera 10 Points (2T), Rusith Thamodya 10 Points (2C,2P)
Wesley College 34
Shem Mendis 5 Points (1T) , Kaveesha Dilhara 5 points (1T), Sanruk Gamage 5 Points (1T), Abdul Haadhi 19 Points (1T,4C,2P)
