Wesley clinch historic four-in-a-row Blaze Trophy

Monday, 18 August 2025 01:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Wesley team celebrates historic fourth consecutive L.E. Blaze Trophy win against Kingswood

Beat Kingswood 46/10

By Shamseer Jaleel

For the first time in history, Wesley College claimed the prestigious L.E. Blaze Trophy for the fourth year in tandem, defeating Kingswood College in emphatic fashion under lights with a commanding 46/10 victory at Longdon Place in front of a packed house last weekend.

At the short breather, Wesley led 26/3.

The win marked not only a season-closing triumph for the Double Blues but also a moment of history, as this year’s Wesley skipper Sandul Gammanpila followed in his father Asanka Gammanpila’s (1998) footsteps, making them the first-ever father and son duo to lead the Double Blues to Blaze Trophy wins.

Wesley’s dominance was evident from the kick-off onwards, showing their intention of fast open rugby after Kingswood failed to find the try line on two occasions to a tight defence by the Double Blues. Danush Dassanayake, the lanky centre, drew first blood for the Wesley outfit, which was goaled by the ever-reliable Abdul Haadhi, who had a magnificent game once more this season. Kingswood replied through a superb drop goal by their fullback Rivin Baudaween.

Dassanayake doubled his tally soon after, capitalising on Kingswood errors inside their own red zone. Moments later, Prarthana Rodrigo made a sensational 50-metre solo effort to extend Wesley’s advantage. Haadhi’s accurate boot kept the scoreboard ticking to 21/3 favouring the Double Blues.

Rodrigo struck again before halftime, courtesy of another well-orchestrated move. At the break, Wesley were cruising with a commanding 26/3 lead at the short breather.

Kingswood tried to regroup after the interval but Wesley struck early once more, with Pawana Thiranagama powering over for the fifth try. Sachintha Naveesha touched down for the Randles Hill outfit solo, while Rivin Baudaween added the two extra points.

With heavy rain at Longdon Place slowing down the three-quarter movement a bit before Hamdan Safraz found the try line, Mohamed Fawaz and Shafran Wadood added the last two tries for Wesley.

With this win, Wesley increased their tally to 10 wins against the Kingswoodians with 23, with some catch-up work to be done in the next couple of years.

For Wesley, under their Head Coach Terence Henry, this was more than just another win—it was a historic milestone, a reward to consistency, leadership, and a golden generation of players. They ended as runner-up in the League to Trinity.

The Referee was Ishanka Abeykoon.