Scrum and Engage with SriLankaSports.com
Script by: Brian Thomas
Edited by: Christopher Jordashe
The pendulum swung back and forth as Wesley and Royal displayed excellence in playing open rugby, showcasing the true meaning of attack and defence in a fast-paced, 70-minute thriller filled with knife-edge excitement. The packed Jurassic Park Stadium in Colombo bore witness to the third Cup game of the Schools Rugby League, where numerous phases of play, continuity, intensity, and aggression unfolded in this key clash.
The game moved at a relentless pace, and the result remained uncertain throughout, as both Wesley and Royal delivered their best performances of the season. Kudos to both teams for producing a thrilling spectacle of rugby.
Play commenced with a bang. Just three minutes in, Wesley full-back Abdul Hadhi collected a high ball inside his own 22-metre line and sprinted nearly 45 metres with a dazzling run, while Royal’s defence stood flat-footed.
Hadhi quickly set his three-quarter line in motion. Mohd Pavaz, who had an outstanding game in possession, produced something special and sent the hard-running Wesley wing three-quarter Rodrigo over the line near the corner flag. Hadhi then slotted a sublime conversion, giving the Double Blues an early 7–0 lead.
Unfortunately for Royal, just after Wesley got on the scoreboard, playmaker Idris Farook was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. Credit to Royal, who defended bravely with 14 men and managed to push play back into Wesley’s red zone.
Wesley 7 – Royal 5
Royal full-back Yuwan Pathirana, like his Wesley counterpart, had an excellent game. He broke through the Wesley defence, and in the 12th minute, Wesley were penalised for an infringement. Despite still being without playmaker Farook, Royal formed an excellent rolling maul from a five-metre lineout, allowing hooker Imtiaz Nazeer to score mid-left. Without Farook’s boot, however, Royal missed the conversion. The scoreboard read Wesley 7 – Royal 5.
The battle remained intense until half-time, with both teams enjoying equal possession. Royal tightened their defence while Wesley attacked the fringes, but the Jurassic boys’ defence stood resolute.
In the 18th minute, Wesley full-back Abdul Hadhi was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle. He was fortunate to escape a red card, as referee Yatawara showed leniency.
Both teams continued to showcase fine rugby, with Wesley excelling at counter-rucking and Royal deploying their three-quarter line effectively from the breakdown. The first half ended with Wesley narrowly ahead, 7–5.
Royal 12 – Wesley 7
The Reid Avenue boys came out with renewed energy after the break. Just three minutes into the second half, they used their three-quarter line off a forward surge, and skipper Samarasinghe scored near the corner flag. Wesley’s line defence, lacking numbers, could not stop the move.
Idris Farook showed his worth by converting from the touchline, putting Royal in the lead for the first time: Royal 12 – Wesley 7.
Wesley 14 – Royal 12
The style of play from both teams was a breath of fresh air—limited use of tactical kicks, plenty of phases, and strong pick-and-go play. Royal, however, committed an unforced error just ten metres from their try line. Wesley capitalised by winning the scrum and using their heavy forwards in a powerful rush, allowing second-rower Hapugala to score mid-left. Hadhi added the extras to swing the pendulum once again in Wesley’s favour.
Wesley 19 – Royal 12
In the 61st minute, Wesley maintained their attacking momentum with wave after wave of pressure. Spreading the ball across both flanks, they drained the energy from Royal’s defence. From a five-metre lineout, the Double Blues scored again near the corner flag. The try went unconverted, but Wesley extended their lead to 19–12.
Royal 17 – Wesley 19
In the 63rd minute, Royal captain Samarasinghe was shown a yellow card for an unwarranted elbow infringement inside Wesley’s territory. Still, Royal showed intent and turned the ball over from a ruck. With five minutes remaining, Pathirana joined the line in a well-planned overlap and scored near the corner flag.
Sadly for Royal, Idris Farook’s conversion attempt struck the upright, denying them the equaliser. The score stood at Wesley 19 – Royal 17.
Wesley 24 – Royal 17
There’s a lesson for all teams here: conceding points in the dying moments due to fatigue or lack of concentration can prove costly. Under pressure, Royal’s defence committed twin infringements, handing Wesley a decisive advantage. With the final play awarded as a loose-head scrum in their favour, Wesley could have kicked the ball into touch. Instead, they pressed forward, crossed Royal’s try line, and exposed lapses in the opposition’s defence. The try went unconverted, but Wesley sealed a 24–17 victory.
Wesley now rise to second place in the table, while Royal drop to fourth.
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