Zahira edge out Rajans in a thriller
Zahira College pulled off a sensation win in their opening Dialog Schools League rugby encounter when they beat Dharmaraja College by 18-15 at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy yesterday. Zahira led 18-5 at halftime and scored from two tries, a conversion and two penalties, against the three unconverted tries scored by Dharmaraja.
The game was played at a good pace with the Zahira outfit being outstanding in the initial half. They had ample possession and converted their good work into points. Their full back, Mohamed Saad had a magnificent outing for Zahira adding 13 points by himself. He got ample support from his heavy forwards.
The Rajans, who came after recording a stunning win against Trinity last week, played against wind in the initial half but after the turnaround with the wind they looked a better side being a yard faster. Zahira scored early penalties in the seventh and 10th minutes put over by Saad. He was unstoppable in the 20th minute and scored a solo covering nearly 50 metres.
A try from Akila Jayasinghe in the 35th minute reduced the lead by 13 points as Zahira led 18-5.
After the turnaround Saad missed an easy penalty in the 40th minute. The Rajans came back strong to score two more tries through Akila Jayasinghe and Ishara Wijewardena in the 55th and 65th minute. But all three conversions were unsuccessful.