Zahira cruise to easy win over the Rajans
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Zahira dominated to record their second win - Pic by M.A. Pushpakumara
Zahira cruised with ease to win by 26 points to 8 against Dharmaraja in their last group match of Singer U19 inter-schools rugby tournament played at Zahra ground in Maradana yesterday.
Zahira having taken a comfortable 19-3 lead at the breather made up their points through two goals, a penalty goal and a try as against to a try and a penalty scored by the Rajans.
The match was crucial for Zahira as they were on a must win situation along with DSS to book the berth to qualify for the second round (Cup Segment) which they succeeded as DSS lost their match against St Peter’s which was played in another venue yesterday.
On the other hand the Rajans pummelled to their fourth successive defeat and have one more match to play against Wesley which is scheduled to be played on May 5.
The match turned out to be a one sided affair even though the Zahirians dominated proceedings in the two sessions of play. However it was the Rajans who drew first blood from a penalty booted over by skipper and No.8 Bawantha Udangamuwa.
Thereafter the Zahirians posted three tries within a space of ten minutes in the latter stages of the first half scored by prop forward Amjad Fawmy who went over for two tries and hooker Shameem Nasser while deputy skipper and centre Minhaj Samsudeen converted two of them for Zahira to lead 19-3 at the breather.
On resumption it turned out to be a drab game as Zahira though in possession of the ball most of the time was only able to make any scoring due to a penalty goal while the Rajans midway of the session succeeded to penetrate the Zahira defense with winger K. Madusanka going over for an unconverted try.
There was also sad news for the Dharmaraja team as their team bus driver was rushed to hospital but according to game’s authorities, the driver had passed off before being admitted due to a heart attack. He was 45 years old.
Referee – Aaqil Jamaldeen