Double Blues thump Science in grand fashion
A Wesley player carries forward the ball to score one of the nine tries against Science at Havelock Park - Pic by M.A. Pushpakumara
Wesley College delivered commanding performance in their Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 season opener, crushing Science College 63-15 in a nine-try spectacle at Havelock Park yesterday. The comprehensive victory not only secured critical bonus points but also demonstrated the ‘Double Blues’ attacking prowess and championship aspirations for the upcoming campaign.
The match began with Wesley immediately asserting their superiority. Lock Hamdaan Shafraz opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a perfectly executed try in the right corner, signalling what would become a relentless attacking display. Science College responded briefly through skipper and fullback Dilruwan Perera’s penalty, but this early resistance proved to be merely a temporary reprieve.
Wesley’s forward momentum proved unstoppable as they systematically dismantled Science’s defencive structure. Scrumhalf Sharfaan Wadood extended the lead in the 16th minute, followed by prop Nelith Hapugalle’s clinical finish in the 21st minute. Lock Shafraz then secured his second try of the match, in the 23rd minute, showcasing Wesley’s ability to capitalise on sustained pressure and create multiple scoring opportunities within rapid succession.
Science managed a brief resurgence when No.8 Damitha Hettiarachchi crossed the try line in the 32nd minute, with skipper Perera successfully converting to narrow the deficit to 28-10. However, Wesley’s response was immediate and decisive. Fullback Abdul Haadhi, who had been flawless with his kicking throughout the half, added his first try in the dying moments before halftime, converting his own score to establish a commanding 35-10 advantage at the break.
The second half witnessed Wesley’s continued dominance despite Science’s initial attempts to mount a comeback. While Science briefly applied pressure, Wesley’s superior fitness, skill, and tactical awareness ultimately prevailed. The Double Blues added four more tries to their tally, demonstrating remarkable consistency in their attacking execution.
Lock Manuga Jayaweera initiated the second-half scoring in the 43rd minute, followed by prop Keshara Rahula’s effort in the 49th minute. Flanker Hashim Thabeeth extended the lead further in the 56th minute before Jayaweera claimed his second try in the 66th minute, effectively ending any hopes of a Science revival.
Haadhi’s exceptional kicking display deserves particular recognition, as he maintained a perfect conversion rate throughout the match, successfully converting eight attempts. Centre Mohammed Fawaz contributed the final conversion, highlighting Wesley’s depth in goal-kicking options. Science managed a consolation try through lock Udana Gamage in the 70th minute, though skipper Perera’s missed conversion attempt typified their struggles throughout the encounter, before On-field Referee Gihan Yatawara blew the long whistle.