Wesley College Triumphs Over D.S. Senanayake College to Reach Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts Final

In a gripping encounter at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Wesley College secured their spot in the final of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2024 with a hard-fought 27-20 victory over D.S. Senanayake College.

D.S. Senanayake College struck first, with Kaveesha Jananjaya diving over for a try after Wesley conceded a series of early penalties. Despite the missed conversion, the Donz led 5-0. Wesley quickly responded with a penalty kick from Abdul Haadhi to reduce the deficit to 5-3.

The game swung in favor of D.S. Senanayake College when Umagiliyage and Thatheera Perera combined brilliantly for another try, though the conversion was missed. Wesley’s fortunes changed when Thiven Perera received a yellow card, allowing Wesley to even the score through a try by Sandul Gammanpila and a successful conversion by Haadhi (10-10).

With the numerical advantage, Wesley capitalized as Abdeep Yooseph darted through the defense to score. Although Haadhi missed the conversion, Wesley took a 15-10 lead. Ashen Emmanuel extended their lead further, followed by a try from Kaizer Lye, which was converted by Haadhi. Wesley took a commanding 27-10 lead into halftime.

D.S. Senanayake College came out strong in the second half, with Umagiliyage adding a drop goal to make it 27-13. Thimath Bogahawatta then scored a crucial try, converted by Umagiliyage, to narrow the gap to 27-20.

Despite a late surge, D.S. Senanayake College could not close the gap, and Wesley held on for the win. Wesley College will now face the defending champions, St. Peter’s College, in the final. Sandul Gammanpila was named NDB Bank Player of the Match for his standout performance.

Full Time Score: Wesley College 27 (4 Tries, 2 Conversions, 1 Penalty) defeated D.S. Senanayake College 20 (3 Tries, 1 Conversion, 1 Drop Goal)

NDB Bank Player of the Match: Sandul Gammanpila (Wesley College)

Wesley College Points: Abdul Haadhi 7 (1 Penalty, 2 Conversions), Sandul Gammanpila 5 (1 Try), Ashen Emmanuel 5 (1 Try), Kaizer Lye 5 (1 Try), Abdeep Yooseph 5 (1 Try)

D.S. Senanayake College Points: Kaveesha Jananjaya 5 (1 Try), Sehanda Umagiliyage 10 (1 Try, 1 Drop Goal, 1 Conversion), Thimath Bogahawatta 5 (1 Try)