Wall or Weapon? Wesley Proves They’re Both in the Win Over the Bamba Brigade
July 1, 2025
Wall or Weapon? Wesley Proves They’re Both in the Win Over the Bamba Brigade
By Adib Azwer–
Is Wesley’s defense their best? Or their attack? Either way, it’s the right kind of question fans should be asking, because once again, the Double Blues showed that they don’t just play rugby, they dominate it, one breakdown at a time. In a much-anticipated showdown, Wesley College handed St. Peter’s College their first league defeat since 2023, walking away with a convincing 23-5 victory. From the first whistle to the final whistle, it was clear: Wesley wasn’t just here to play, they were here to make a statement.
Peters started strong, launching a 7-minute spell inside Wesley’s 22, but as has been the case all season, the Double Blue defense stood firm. Tackle after tackle, turnover after turnover, Wesley absorbed the pressure and turned it into momentum after a handling error from the Peterites.
From there, Wesley began flipping the momentum. A booming clearance by Fawaz pinned Peters back. Then, after just two minutes of attack, a high tackle by the Peters defense gifted Wesley a penalty, which Abdul Haadhi coolly slotted through. Wesley 3-0.
Peters responded with a chance of their own but missed the penalty. As Wesley’s structured defense continued to frustrate, they began forcing errors—knock-ons, turnovers, and pressure that turned defense into opportunity.
The breakthrough came through Kaizer Lye, whose slick show-and-go sliced through the defense and nearly scored. A few phases later, Kaizer finished the job. Score: 8-0. A narrow margin, but one that reflected Wesley’s control.
Peters attempted another push but were denied once more, missing yet another penalty. High tackles became their go-to solution to stop the Wesley attack, and soon, Peterite No.1 saw yellow. Kaizer even went for a cheeky drop goal off an advantage, but missed narrowly.
Just before halftime, Kaveesha Dilhara dotted down what looked like a brilliant team try, only for the TMO to rule it out for a forward pass—a decision that could’ve gone either way. Still, the scoreboard at the break read 8-0, and Wesley went into the half with momentum on their side.
The second half began much like the first. Wesley stayed calm, disciplined, and continued to force errors. After winning another penalty, Haadhi added three more to the tally—11-0.
St. Peter’s continued to work hard and tried to build momentum, but struggled to find rhythm in attack against Wesley’s organized and suffocating defense. Even skipper Vishenka Silva—well known for his match-winning ability—had limited chances to make an impact as the game slipped further away.
Wesley’s response? Textbook maul rugby. Off a lineout, the pack surged forward like a well-oiled machine, and Pawan Thirangama powered over for the try. Haadhi nailed the extras. 18-0.
Minutes later, the maul struck again—same script, same outcome—Pawan crossed the line again. Despite Peters giving their all, the mounting pressure showed, and a moment of frustration saw their No.6 receive a yellow card. Wesley extended their lead to 23-0.
Even as Wesley dropped to 14 men – first with Fawaz carded for dissent, then down to 13 after Naham was sin-binned, Peters still couldn’t capitalize. They did eventually manage a consolation try, but it came too late to matter.
Final score: Wesley 23, Peters 5. A well-earned victory for the Double Blues, and a match that ended St. Peter’s impressive unbeaten league streak.
Wesley’s attack was sharp, composed, and clinical. But their defense? That’s something else entirely. It wasn’t just a wall, it was a fortress. Peters entered the Wesley 22 over half a dozen times and only crossed the line once and only when Wesley had two players in the bin.
If there was any doubt about Wesley’s title hopes, they just got washed away. The Double Blues remain unbeaten—and more importantly, unshaken.
