Scrum and Engage with SriLankaSports.com
Script by Brian Thomas | Edited by Christopher Jordashe
This Cup Segment League game between Wesley and Isipathana was a scrappy affair, marred by numerous stoppages and TMO referrals. Both teams appeared overly focused on defence, with a flurry of high tackles slowing the game down. The free-flowing rugby fans expected were seen only in brief patches.
Wesley performed excellently in defence, as expected, but their attacking play left much to be desired. Isipathana spent most of the first half defending deep in their red zone. However, after halftime, they changed their game plan, and Wesley became a victim of repeated infringements.
Wesley took an early lead in the 5th minute when Isipathana’s forwards were penalised for hands on the ball in a ruck. Abdul Hadhi, Wesley’s fullback—who had an outstanding game—requested his captain to take the points on offer rather than kicking for touch or opting for a line-out rolling maul.
Wesley 3 – Isipathana 0
Dodangwala, the Isipathana skipper, was yellow-carded soon after for repeated infringements at the ruck. The “Green Machine” played 10 minutes without their captain but did well to prevent the “Double Blues” from capitalising on the numerical advantage.
Dodangwala’s return from the sin bin was short-lived. Another Isipathana player received a yellow card for a high tackle.
At this point, Wesley was on the offensive, pressing hard near Isipathana’s try line and forcing a 5-meter scrum in front of the posts.
Rather than use the pick-and-drive, Wesley employed their three-quarter line in motion. Kysel Lye crossed mid-right, and Abdullah Hardhi added the extras to extend Wesley’s lead in the 16th minute.
Wesley 10 – Isipathana 0
From there, the game deteriorated, with both teams engaging in aimless kicking and unforced errors. The first half meandered along until Wesley conceded a penalty for an offside defensive line.
Isipathana wisely chose to kick to the corner instead of taking the points. Dodangwala—dominant in the line-outs throughout the league—secured the ball, and the rolling maul powered over on the left flank. The try went unconverted.
Half-time: Wesley 10 – Isipathana 5
After the break, Isipathana looked like a transformed side. They maintained sustained pressure through multiple phases and were awarded a penalty for a high tackle by a Wesley forward. They opted for a shot at goal to reduce the deficit.
Wesley 10 – Isipathana 8
With momentum on their side, Isipathana began playing their signature brand of rugby, capitalising on Wesley’s mounting infringements, uncharacteristic compared to their previous outing against St. Peter’s.
Following a fourth consecutive infringement by Wesley, Isipathana struck decisively. Shahid Zumri powered over with a pick-and-drive, and a pinpoint conversion gave Isipathana the lead for the first time.
Isipathana 15 – Wesley 10
Wesley was once again penalised for offside in their red zone. Isipathana opted for the three points.
Isipathana 18 – Wesley 10
With 10 minutes left on the clock, Wesley launched a spirited comeback. In rugby, 10 minutes can feel like a lifetime, especially when two scores are needed for a win.
Wesley’s 2nd-row forward, Hapugala, found a gap in a tired Isipathana backline and went over on the left flank. Abdullah Hardhi’s golden boot added the extras, setting up a nail-biting finish.
Isipathana 18 – Wesley 17
But with just 5 minutes remaining, Wesley was penalised for another offside. Isipathana calmly slotted the penalty to widen the gap.
Isipathana 21 – Wesley 17
In the dying moments, Wesley fought back once more and forced a 5-meter line-out after the entire Isipathana pack was caught offside. They executed a well-structured rolling maul and crossed the line—only for the try to be disallowed because the ball carrier had gone to ground with his knees, as explained by the referee.
It would have been a dramatic win for Wesley, but it wasn’t to be.
Final Score: Isipathana 21 – Wesley 17
Wesley’s unbeaten record was tarnished, with excessive infringements proving to be the root cause of their downfall.
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