Close, But Not Close Enough: Wesley’s Title Run Ends in Narrow Defeat
August 7, 2025
Close, But Not Close Enough: Wesley’s Title Run Ends in Narrow Defeat
By Adib Azwer–
The stage was set for a battle of titans. Wesley College, fueled by determination and grit, faced off against Trinity in what could only be described as a title-deciding clash. With both teams battling it out for the #1 spot in the league, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. After missing a few matches due to dengue, Sandul Gammanpila returned as skipper, his leadership would be crucial as the Double Blues took on the defending
champions.
The Game Begins: Wesley’s Early Promise
Wesley kicked off, and from the first whistle, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical encounter. A deep kick from Lye immediately put Trinity under pressure, handing Wesley a 5m scrum. The Double Blues surged forward, looking dangerous, but Trinity’s defense was resolute. Every inch of ground gained by Wesley was fiercely contested, with the Lions clearing the ball under pressure. However, Wesley didn’t relent.
Time and again, Wesley entered Trinity’s 22m, and every time, they looked like breaking through, but each attempt was met with determined defense. The back-and-forth nature of the game was evident. The teams were locked in a battle of wills, neither giving an inch.
First Blood: Wesley Breaks the Deadlock
After several phases of beautiful, flowing rugby, Wesley earned a scrum just 5 meters from the try line. The tension was palpable as Dhanush powered through, crossing the line for Wesley’s first try of the day. Haadhi made no mistake with the conversion, and the score stood at 7–0 in favor of the Double Blues.
Trinity wasn’t about to let that lead stand for long. Their response was immediate. A
beautifully executed set play from a scrum saw them charge into Wesley’s 5m line, and just moments later, Usman Shafraz, Trinity’s captain, powered over the line. The conversion was good, and Trinity was back within striking distance at 7–5.
Back-and-Forth Intensity
Both teams continued to trade blows in the opening half. Wesley had their moments of brilliance, with Haadhi playing a crucial role in every counterattack. Yet, Trinity’s territorial game, built around kicks from Althaf, was managed well by Abdul Haadhi. Wesley’s defense stood tall, denying Trinity every chance to capitalize on their set pieces.
The first half ended with the score still tight — 7–5, and the match living up to the hype. It was clear that this battle was far from over.
Second Half: A Statement from Trinity
Trinity came out with fire in the second half. Within two minutes, they had already crossed the Wesley try line. Shan Althaf’s conversion gave them the lead, 12–7, and the Lions seemed to have found their rhythm.
But Wesley wasn’t done. As they’ve done all season, the Double Blues answered back -with Haadhi once again turning defense into attack. However, after a 5m scrum in
Wesley’s half, Trinity’s Sathishkumar dotted down for another try, extending their lead to 17–7.
Wesley needed to respond quickly, and they did, with a smart play from Fawaz. Tackling a Trinity player on the try line, Wesley won a scrum just 5m from the try line. But again, Trinity’s defense stood firm, forcing a handling error from Wesley and clearing their lines.
Trinity Pulls Away: A Moment of Magic from Althaf
With the score at 20–7, and Wesley desperately trying to find a breakthrough, the game
seemed to be slipping away. But then, with just 10 minutes remaining, Shan Althaf struck again, this time with an audacious drop goal from 40m out. The ball sailed through the posts, and with that, Trinity led 23–7.
Despite the setback, Wesley’s fighting spirit never wavered. The Double Blues came right back at Trinity, and Naham found the line, bringing the score to 23–14. However, the clock was ticking down, and Trinity’s defense was just too strong.
The Final Push: Wesley’s Last Try
Wesley continued to press, determined to make Trinity fight for every inch. Their efforts paid off with another try from a maul, as Hamdaan Safraz crashed over, but with no time left and the score now at 23–21 after haadhi’s conversion, it was too little, too late.
Looking Forward: One Last Push for Glory
While the 23–21 loss stung, Wesley showed exactly why they are the best Wesley team in recent years. Their spirited performance in the hills proved that they are more than
capable of challenging the league’s best.
With one final match against S. Thomas’ to secure second place in the league, Wesley will hold their heads high. The road to glory may have been cut short, but the future is bright for this team. They gave Trinity everything they had and came within inches of pulling off a historic win.
Next year, Wesley’s title hunt will only grow stronger. For now, they will regroup, reflect, and finish what they started, one game left to prove just how far they’ve come.
