Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Tuesday, 7 October 2025 03:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
Wesley College once again underlined their growing dominance in junior rugby when they clinched the All Island Under-16 Elite Rugby Tens 2025 win edging out Science College 5/3 in a nail-biting final played at St. Peter’s College grounds in Bambalapitiya last weekend.
Player of the Tournament was Mohamed Shibly of Wesley College.
The Double Blues, who also emerged champions at Under-14 level on two occasions in recent years, showed remarkable grit to add another feather to their cap at the national stage with the same squad and sent out a warning to other rugby playing schools to watch out the, in the coming three years.
The grand final was a tensed affair where Science struck first, slotting over a penalty in the through Nesandu Pahan to lead 3/0. Wesley, however, came storming back after the break, registering the game’s only try through Mohamed Shibly. The winning score came under some controversy, as the Wesley player appeared to lose control of the ball just before grounding it. Assistant Referee too was nowhere near the incident area.
On their path to glory, Wesley outclassed Lumbini 17/0 in the semi-final after knocking out St. Joseph’s in a thrilling quarter-final encounter which went Double Blues way 19/14. Science College, meanwhile, displayed their own class overcoming Trinity 12/7 in extra time after the match was tied 7-all in regulation. Science got the better of a dangerous POW 14/0 in the Cup Quarter final encounter. Both teams displayed skill and determination, but Wesley held firm when it mattered most.
In the other segments, Joes captured the Plate by defeating Isipathana 12/5, while Vidyartha secured the Bowl with a 14/0 win over home town rivals, Kingswood. The Shield went to D.S. Senanayake, who overcame Ananda 10/0 in the final.
The tournament, played over two days at Ananda and St. Peter’s grounds, was proudly sponsored by Chirpy Chips adding much-needed support to school rugby.
Pic courtesy thepapare.com
