A blind side move by Anuka Boyagoda of Trinity College sealed the game for Trinity as the Zahirians went down fighting in a rain-hit encounter in Maradana with scores reading 34-26.
Full-time score: Trinity (6T 2C) 34(24) to Zahira (4T 3C) 26 (12)
From the very first minute of play, the match was a close contest in Maradana as the new entrants to the top division, Zahira put Trinity to an acid test this evening giving out their very best with some splendid performances by the backline of both teams.
Diluksha Dange drew first blood for the side off the efforts of his center counterpart Woren Weerakoon and later was converted by Wijesuriya to take the early lead (7-0).
Zahira replied in the very next move with Zaid Singhawansa putting a chip kick over and later collecting it to score on the outside. Singhawansa equalized with the conversion going over the posts (7-7).
Trinity replied violently with Dange scoring his second, this time with some help off Lashane Wijesuriya off a lineout in the 22m. (12-7)
Few minutes later, it was the Zahira speedster Yuzraan Lanthra who broke open the floodgates to run circles around the Trinity sweepers to craft an equalizing try. (12-12)
With momentum slowly drifting in favour of Trinity, the visitors scored on two more occasions before going into the half to take a 12-point comprehensive lead. Breaking through for the third was Lashane Wijesuriya and he later created the opportunity for Hasiru Weliwatte to score on the blind side. Wijesuriya converted one of the two tries.
Half time: Trinty (4T 2C) 24 Zahira (2T 1C) 12
The downpour of heavy rain changed the game around and turned in favour of the Zahirians as their skipper Mohamed Irfan barged through the open spaces to score the opening try of the second half. Singhawansa converted (24-19).
The Zahira playmaker Zaid Singhawansa masterminded the breakthrough for the team taking them to the lead with off a 5m penalty under the posts. Singhawansa added the extras to take them to the lead (26-24).
With tension building in the Trinity camp, their relentless efforts to score proved to be futile in the middle stages of play but towards the 70th minute came Trinity’s reply on the far corner. It was Dange who created the opportunity for Gauwara Bandara to score to take Trinity back to the driving seat. (29-26)
With three points separating the two teams going into the final ten minutes of play under soggy wet conditions, it was Trinity who found the winning try in the 78th minute of play. Centers Woren Weerakoon and Akith Sakalasooriya created the opportunity for Boyagoda to go on the blind side to score the winner. (34-26)
As referee Dinka Pieris blew for full time, Trinity had with themselves a hard-fought win against a strong and endeavouring Zahira College outfit.
It was an even contest at Maradana with the hosts showing promise all throughout the 80 minutes of play but it was Trinity College that emerged to be the better out of the two teams.
Zahira’s Zaid Singhawansa was the stand out for the Zahirans but it was Diluksha Dange who took the spotlight in the day with his two tries and the chances he created.
Zahira shouldn’t have their heads down as they played one of the best blends of rugby that this season has witnessed despite the loss.
ThePapare Player of the Match: Diluksha Dange (TCK)
Score breakdown:
Trinity College 34 (24) 6T 2C
Tries by Diluksha Dange (2), Lashane Wijesuriya, Hasiru Weliwatte, Gaurawa Bandara, Anuka Boyagoda
Conversions (2) by Lashane WijesuriyaZahira College 26 (12) 4T 3C
Tries by Zaid Singhawansa (2), Yuzraan Lantra, Mohammed Irfan
Conversions (3) by Zaid Singhawansa
