Sports

Sports

Dimbula lose cliffhanger to Old Zahirians

By Bernie Wijesekera

In a rousing game played in ideal conditions. Dimbula playing A Division rugby after 35 years gave a glittering performance to lead 30-24. However seconds before the long whistle Old Zahirian No 8 Naeem Ali barged over off a short tap to win by 31 points (4 goals and a penalty) to 30 (1 goal, 4 tries and a penalty) at Longden Place yesterday. At the turn around Old Zahira SC led 17-15.

It was a game of fluctuating fortunes. Both teams played their hearts out. The Dim-Dicks were led by former Kandy SC scrum half Jagath Pushpakumara, who gave a never-say-die performance. However, bad kicking by Niyadagala let them down. The latter was off target and cost Dimbula dearly by missing four conversions.

Old Zahirians who beat Police last week, maintained their winning streak thanks to scrum half Cuncheer who converted four tries, a penalty followed by a corner-flag try – to add 18 points to the score.

Dimbula hit back with a try: 5-3.Old Zahira scored off a short tap next: 10-3. Dimbula equalized through a goal and a try by W. Senanayake goaled by Niyadagala: 10-all.

Dimbula went ahead with their second try by C. Janaderan: 15-10.
Referee Orville Fernando.