St. Joseph’s prevail over Zahira with four-point thriller
The game was intense and close at Maradana - Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
St. Joseph College avoided another shock defeat as they prevailed with a thrilling with a thrilling four point win over host Zahira (26-22) in the Dialog School Rugby League match played at Maradana yesterday.
A try five minutes away from the long whistle by Josephian centre Induwara Rodrigo and the conversion booted over by fly half Beesham Jayaseera sealed the game for Joes, dashing the hopes of Zahira who were leading on 22-19 until that moment.
The scoring line at the breather saw the Josephians in the lead 16-10 and in the process made up their points through a goal, two tires and three penalties as against to a goal and three tires scored by Zahira.
St Joseph’s fly half Beesham Jayasekera contributed 12 of the 26 points scored by the Josephians as he began by booting over a penalty in the second minute but Zahira undeterred struck back to take over the lead seven minutes later from a penalty by center Fajad Ameen.
Zahira, encouraged by this, continued to pressure their opponents with sporadic moves. They managed to extend their lead with an unconverted try by skipper and No. 8 Sabri Sahibo in the 15th minute. Shortly after, the Josephians reduced the deficit with a penalty kicked by Beesham Jayasekera.
From there on the two teams shared honours before the Josephians struck with back to back unconverted tries within the space of two minutes first by second row Shehan Malindu and the other by center Malshan Dewmin before the short whistle was blown with the Josephians in the lead 16-10.
Upon recommencement, Zahira implemented a new strategy, causing challenges for the Josephians. They managed to break through the defence as flanker Shahib Ishan scored a try, with winger Basith Feroz securing the extra points, allowing the home team to take the lead at 17-16.
It turned out to be a closely contested affair and fly half Beesham Jayasekera helped the Joes take over the lead by booting a penalty. The Zahirian forwards gave the Josephians some anxious moments and on a melee in the Joseohians territory saw full back grabbing the ball to go over for a try, down the left corner flag. The conversion was sent wayward but they managed to take over the lead 22-19. However the crucial try five minutes away from the long whistle by center Induwara Rodrigo and Beesham Jayasekera saw the Josephians winning the game to record their first win, after their 22-27 loss to Vidyartha College in the previous week.