Zahira prevail over Vidyartha
Zahira College prevailed by narrow margin of four points as they beat Vidyartha College in the pre-quarter-final encounter of the Dialog President’s Trophy Schools Rugby Knockout Championship at Havelock Park yesterday.
In a closely contested game, Zahira came out winners by 16-12 having led the halftime by 8-0. Zahira made up their points through two unconverted tries and two penalties to two tries and a conversion by Vidyartha.
Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Zahira made their first scoring in the fourth minute through an unconverted try by flanker Rushain Rahan and increased their lead from a penalty booted over winger Abdullah Hassen. With no further scoring being done, Zahira led 8-0 at the breather.
On resumption it was Vidyartha who made the first scoring in the 44th minute after lock Bandara Wijekoon braced a try, which was converted by Kavindu Hewage. Zahira, undeterred, struck back with centre Ghani Saraph going over for an unconverted try, followed by a penalty by Raheem Hajir in the 62nd minute to lead by 16-7.
In a do-or-die effort Vidyartha succeeded to decrease the deficit with centre Samneth Adikari going for a try in the 67th minute, but the conversion was sent astray. With no further scoring being done the Zahirians managed to scrape through with a close 16-12 victory.