Zahira pull off thriller against Dharmaraja

Mohamed Saad an outstanding game for Zahira with 13 points in the game

• Zahira pull off thriller against Dharmaraja 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Zahira College who put the foundation with a healthy lead in the first half pulled off a thriller and stopped Rajans from a later comeback to beat the home team 18/15 at the Bogambara Stadium last weekend. At the short breather, the lads from Maradana led 18/5.

Rajans after shocking Trinity in their opening week expected to topple the visitors but the Zahirians did not make the mistake which Trinity did. They put over early penalties and got whatever came their way. Mohamed Saad had a trademark game. Put over two early penalties and made a solo which covered more than 50 meters to touch down a fantastic try. The lads from Maradana scored their second try through M.R. Muhhamad through a forwards rush. Rajans scored their first try through Akila Jayasinghe.

After the turn around Rajans scored two more tries, one each by Akila Jayasinghe and Ishara Wijewardena. Unfortunately, all three tries were not converted, losing out 6 valuable points. In the last 5 minutes, Rajans were very close to the Zahirians try line but some top-class defence kept them away from scoring in the end.

Joes edges out Wesley

Joes edged out Wesley 3/0, in a lacklustre rugby affair in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 encounter which concluded at the Royal Sports Complex last weekend. At the short breather, Joes led 3/0 which was the only scoring of the game.

Even while Joes were reduced to 13 players still Wesley failed to find the opponent’s try line. In the last 10 minutes, they got a number of opportunities but failed in their attempts in scoring.

Joes made a number of handling errors and as usual, their skipper, Naveen Marasinghe was a well-marked man. Joes scored their solitary penalty through Ruchitha Rodrigo.

Isipathana survive beat Thomians

Defending League champions, Isipathana College after a superb first half with a lead of 14 points went on to complete a win over the Thomians who made a great effort for a fight back but it was too late as they ran out of time with the Green Shirts running out winners 29/20 in the end. Isipathana collected 29 points through 4 tries, 3 conversions, and a penalty while the Thomians scored 20 points through 2 tries, 2 conversions and a penalty.

As usual, the Green Shirts’ back division was smooth as silk as they made a number of breaks through the Thomians’ defence which was all over the park in the initial half. As usual, Shaahid Zumri was outstanding in attack. He split many defenders of the opponent team thinking about which move he will take. He along with Chamidu Chirath looked unstoppable.

Thomians drew first blood through Yehan Bulathsinhalage’s penalty but Isipathana hit back through Shenal Fernando’s try and Rinesh Silva’s conversion. Rinesh Silva scored their second try dummying his way. He converted and took the Green Shirts to a 14/3 lead. Just before Lemons, Isipathana stretched their lead with an easy penalty kick by Rinesh Silva.

At the short breather, they lead 17/3. After the turn around Thomians reduced the deficit through Bulathsinhalage’s penalty but Isipathana scored another try, Second by Rinesh to take the score line to 22/6. Chamath Iroshan scored next through a line out and Rinesh added the extras. Thomians fought back late through their prop forward Mohamed Hakeem’s try. Bulathsingalage added the extras. There was time for one more try for Number 8, Shanal Fernando and Bulathsingalage added the extras but the home team ran out of time losing 20/29 in the end. 

D.S. pips Antonians

D.S. Senanayake made a great start for the 2023 rugby season playing away at Pallekele they managed to beat Antonians 23/19 in a tense thriller.

It was Janidu Wijerathna hat trick of tries that floored the Eagles in a shocking defeat after a great first week when they beat the much fancied Joes outfit. Janidu Wijerathna scored first with the home team replied through Roshen Kumara. D.S. went ahead through Shehanda Umagiliyage penalty. At the short breather, visitors led 8/5. After the turnaround, D.S. went further ahead through Wijerathna’s second try with the accurate conversion of Umagiliyage they increased the lead to 10 points. Kurama’s second try for the Antonians and skipper, Sahan Keerthisiri accurate conversion took the scores to 15/12 with D.S. in the lead. Umagiliyage was on target with a penalty to take the lead 18/12 but the Antonians took the lead for the very first time in the game Sahan Keerthisiri try and conversion to lead 19/18. But Wijerathne was unstoppable as he ran more than 50 meters to touch down on his third try of the game. This was a great win for D.S. who sent out a strong message to any other teams in their group not to take them lightly.

Royal outclasses Science

Royal College pulled off an easy 45/10 win over Science College in Mount Lavinia last weekend. At the short breather winners led 19/0.

Royal scored their tries through Philio Calyaneratne, Charuka Seneviratne, Idris Farouk, Thineth Gamage, Duliya Gamanayake, Disara Pathirana, Thivain Perera. Conversions were done by Simak Shafeek and Nabil Yehiya. Meanwhile, Science scored their only try by Isuru Paindu with the conversion and penalty put over by Oshada Perera.

Wesley skipper Kaveesh Jaymon in a powerful move

Royal skipper Randul Senanayake held by 2 Science players

Zumri had an outstanding game for Pathana