Wesley defeat Zahira 26-7
Wesley dominated Zahira in a rain-hit affair - Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
Wesley College got the better of Zahira College 26-7 in a Singer Schools League Rugby Championship game where the ball moved free in the first half at Maradana yesterday. A heavy downpour in the second half reduced the game to one of errors taking the sting off what would have been a game that saw no inhibitions in attack and opening up the games.
Wesley ended winners by 26 points (3 goals, 1 try) to 7 (1 goal) and also earned the bonus points. Compared to how Wesley played in the earlier games they looked more polished and organised to play rugby that they are capable of.
From the kick off Zahira attacked inside the Wesley 22 for 10 minutes but could not earn any points. Wesley came alive having got their hands to the ball and tested the Zahira defence. The Wesley backs who showed good skills in running and handling ended a move that started 40 metres out with wing three Sanjula Perera touching down by the corner. Subair converted to lead 7-0. In the 14th minute the Wesley backs were set in motion in and fullback Sunbair straightened to create a whole in the defence to score and convert himself. Wesley lead 14-0. In the 22nd minute, Zahira kept the ball and momentum with the forwards, controlled and pushed for over 30 metres and prop forward M. Amjad finished. With fullback Minaj converting the deficit was reduced to 7-14. Thereafter Zahira played well keeping play close with the forwards.
For the next 10 minutes it was changing possession and territory with the hosts keeping possession of the ball. Wesley once again worked the line from 40 metres out and changed hands with skill for wing three Sanjula Perera to score his second try and increase the lead to 19-7 at halftime. Subair missed the conversion.
On resumption the open play was hampered as rain beat in and conditions looked better for Zahira, who opted to keep the ball with the forwards. Wesley on the other hand continued to run the forwards, who found difficulty in handing a very wet ball in a rain fed pitch. There was no thought in them to change their pattern by playing close or kicking for space. They were lucky when Zahira dropped the ball three times inside the 5 metres in the Wesley territory. In the 34th minute Dikshana Vidanage touched down and Subair converted as Wesley walked out winners by 26-7.