Saad takes Zahira through to semi-finals after beating DS

Saturday, 26 August 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The jubilant Zahira College, Colombo skipper Aadil Rafeek with team mates and coaching staff after regaining the R.I.T. Alles Trophy edging out D.S.Senanayake College 15-13 at Havelock Park yesterday

By Shamseer Jaleel

Zahira College pulled off a hard fought 15 points (2 tries, 1 conversion, 1 penalty) to 13 points (2 tries, 1 penalty) win over D.S. Senanayake College in their Dialog Knockout Under-19 Quarter Final Rugby encounter, which concluded at Havelock Park yesterday.

At the short breather, DS led 8/7.

The game, which was full of handling errors by both teams, saw D.S. Senanayake having control till the last 10 minutes of the game, though losing one player for red card offense. D.S. Senanayake should blame themselves for some poor line out throwing and failing to win their own ball in line out. They led 8/7 at the short breather.

DS drew first blood through Umagiliyage penalty but the lads from Maradana hit back soon through a dandy try by Mohamed Adhil. Ahamed Saad converted to take them to a lead of 7/3. On stroke of half time DS hit back through their first try through replacement player, Nadil Paranamana to take the slender 1 point lead at the short breather.

After the turnaround, both Teams played well in patches but lacked the finishing end. DS scored their second try through P.D.M. Perera who brushed aside a few defenders to touch down.

Zahira who kept on attacking in the last 10 minutes in DS territory ended in a left corner flag try by Ahamed Saad. Referee Weranga consulted the Assistant Referee Isuru Perera and awarded the try to the Zahirians which was a close call. The kick at goal was missed and still DS led by 1 point but the game had another 2 minutes to go for the final whistle. The lads from Maradana were awarded with a penalty, which was put over by Saad not only to move forward to the semi-finals against Isipathana but also to win the R.I.T. Alles Trophy.

Referee – Praneeth Weranga

Zahira College will meet Isipathana in the semi-final encounter.