Wesley crowned Elite Under 18 Rugby 7s champions

Monday, 1 September 2025 02:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Wesley College produced a brilliant display of power and composure to clinch the All Island Elite Under 18 Rugby 7s 2025 title, defeating DS Senanayake College 19/12 in a thrilling Cup final at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy yesterday.

The Wesley outfit stamped their authority early, crossing the whitewash twice and adding a conversion before being awarded a penalty try to extend their lead. DSS mounted a late comeback in the second half with two well-worked tries, one of which was converted, but Wesley’s early dominance proved decisive as they sealed the coveted Cup.

The Cup semi-finals saw Wesley edge out Vidyartha 14/10 in a nail-biting clash, while DSS overcame St. Peter’s 19/12 to book their place in the final. The quarter-final stage had its own upsets, with St. Peter’s knocking out Isipathana 12/7, while Wesley ended Zahira’s strong run with a 26/19 win.

The Plate encounter was won by Kandy Sumangala, while Ananda took home the Bowl segment. Rajans won the Shield, making two trophies for Kandy, and equal numbers to Colombo schools.

Despite the absence of Trinity, Royal, and S. Thomas’, the tournament featured 24 schools and offered a platform for emerging talent. Wesley’s triumph not only underlined their sevens game but also set the tone for an exciting future in schools rugby.

Cup

Quarter-finals

St. Peter’s beat Isipathana 12/7, DSS beat Kandy Sumangala 24/0, Wesley beat Zahira 26/19, Vidyartha beat Lumbini 17/12

Semi-finals

DSS beat St. Peter’s 19/12, Wesley beat Vidyartha 14/10

Final

Wesley beat DSS 19/12

Plate

Semi-finals

Kandy Sumangala beat Isipathana 28/14, Lumbini beat Zahira 21/19

Final

Kandy Sumangala beat Lumbini 26/17

Bowl

Quarter-finals

Ananda beat Mahanama 14/12, St. Joseph’s beat Science 26/5, Kingswood beat St. Anthony’s 24/19, Thurstan beat Prince of Wales 24/14

Semi-finals

Ananda beat St. Joseph’s 21/17, Thurstan beat Kingswood 24/14

Final

Ananda beat Thurstan 28/24

Shield

Quarter-finals

St. Aloysius’ received a walkover from Sri Piyarathana, Nugawela Central beat St. Benedict’s 12/7, Panadura Sri Sumangala beat St. Sylvester’s 19/14, Dharmaraja beat Maliyadeva 29/7

Semi-finals

St. Aloysius’ beat Nugawela Central 24/19, Dharmaraja beat Panadura Sumangala 29/5

Final

Dharmaraja beat St. Aloysius’ 33/5