Double Blues wins title for sixth year running
Wesley College OBA beat Zahira College OBA 3-0 to clinch the 8th Lions Sri Lanka College Old Boys’ Association (OBA) Touch Rugby 7s 2018, for the sixth consecutive year last Friday. The eventful day, where eight Sri Lanka school teams and six invitational teams competed, was held at the Doha Rugby Field Centre and was witnessed by a large gathering of supporters and rugby lovers, not only Sri Lankans, but from other countries as well.
The Double Blues led 3-0 at halftime as skipper Shivan Madawa opened the scoring, turning and twisting untouched to plant the first crossover.
The second try was posted by paceman Lahiru Prasad, followed with the third by Sajith Ariyawansha.
Trailing 0-3 at the break, Zahira was mentally out of contention, however, their second-half start and enthusiasm displayed a different story altogether as they threatened to breach the defence of Wesley, who challenged the champs keeping them scoreless for the entire second period.
Winning captain Madawa, who could not hide his excitement after the final hooter told reporters that the game was an intense one and a good one to win while praising his team.
“I’m really excited, it was a great match and I’m so proud of the boys”.
While Wesley overcame Zahira comfortably, to win the Cup championship, St. Peter’s OBA edged out Isipathana OBA 1-0 to clinch the Plate championship. Ananda OBA beat Dharmaraja OBA 1-0 in a stiff game to clinch the Bowl championship. The other two OBA teams were St. Anthony’s Katugastota and Mahanama. The Invitational Segment was won by Camels, who beat Blue Falcons.
“It was a day filled with great rugby, fun, thrills and spills when Sri Lanka College OBA’s based in Doha represented their alma mater with pride where we saw some great rugby skills displayed. The competition was fierce with the standard of touch elevated to heights we haven’t seen before.
The 14 participating teams — eight Sri Lanka Schools OBA’s and six Invitational teams — demonstrated game awareness with extreme capability and skill. From next year onwards the tournament would be more interesting since two players will be allowed to be brought down to play in this tournament,” an official of the Lions RFC, stated.
The organisers of the event, Lions Rugby Football Club of Doha, Qatar received the assistance of sponsors Vodafone, Doha Bank, Travelex, Sampath Bank, McDonalds, Deluxe Travels, TotalSports, thepapare.com, Rayyan Water, Bloomsbury Resort, WellOn Restaurant, White Oceanic Restaurant and S. Thomas’ College OBA Qatar to make it a grand success.
Champions Wesley College OBA
Wesley College OBA skipper Shivan Madawa (L) receiving the trophy
Ananda College OBA
Isipathana College OBA