Zahira College concluded their league campaign on a triumphant note, clinching a commanding 38-0 victory over the struggling Kingswood College in their 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby League clash at Bogambara Grounds.
The game started slowly, marred by frequent stoppages and handling errors. Despite a strong push from the home side, Kingswood College couldn’t convert their pressure into points. In the 20th minute, Zahira College broke the deadlock by turning defense into attack. After several powerful carries from their forwards, Zahira lost possession but quickly regained momentum. Mohamed Fazar made a skillful draw and pass, creating an opening for Ijas Inaam. Inaam sprinted 52 meters, executed a brilliant side step to evade the last defender, and scored a spectacular try. (KCK 00-05 ZC)
Just before halftime, Zahira College executed a well-coached set-piece move from a lineout just outside the 40-meter mark. They spread the ball elegantly from the left to the right, where try-scorer Ijas Inaam made a precise offload to his fullback, Abdulla Hassan. Hassan then drew in defenders and passed to Luqman Nadeem, who crossed over for Zahira’s second try. Hassan made no mistake with the conversion, adding the extra points with ease.
Half Time: Kingswood College 00 (3T,2C) – Zahira College 12 (2T,1C)
Zahira College resumed the second half where they left off, scoring from another set-piece move, this time from a scrum. A dazzling loop play between playmaker Mohamed Fazar and Ijas Inaam bewildered the Kingswood defence. Fazar’s long pass to Zain Zahim created space, and Zahim’s pinpoint pass to Abdulla Hassan allowed Hassan to score the third try with precision. (KCK 00-17 ZC)
Kingswood College came close to scoring, but Zahira College’s defense held firm, keeping them at bay. At the hour mark, Zahira broke through the home defense once more with a center scrum. Half-back Affam Abdeen linked up with Ijas Inaam to advance near the try line. Following a series of pick-and-drives by the forwards, skipper Sabri Sahibo powered over from close range to secure the bonus point try. Abdulla Hassan added the conversion with a successful kick. (KCK 00-24 ZC)
The visitors scored once more by turning defense into attack. A quick pop pass from a kingwood runner was collected and Thahir Churchie made a decisive run from their own half. He executed a well-timed kick forward and chased the ball, forcing the Kingswood fullback to fumble under pressure from Zain Zahim. Fahim Fazlan seized the loose ball and delivered an audacious pass to release Inishan Naweed, who scored Zahira’s fifth try. Mohamed Fazar added the conversion to complete the scoring. (KCK 00-31 ZC)
The final play of the game followed the restart after Zahira’s try. They quickly regained possession and made significant progress into the Kingswood defence. This superb passing sequence culminated in Ijas Inaam crossing under the posts. Mohamed Fazar converted the kick, sealing the victory and ending the season on a high note for Zahira College.
Full Time: Kingswood College 00 – Zahira College 38 (6T,4C)
NDB Player of the Match: Ijas Inaam (Zahira College)
Points Breakdown
Kingswood College 00
Zahira College 38
Ijas Inaam 10 points (2T), Luqman Nadeem 5 points (1T), Sabri Sahibo 5 points (1T), Inishan Naweed 5 points (1T), Abdulla Hassan 9 points (1T,2C), Mohamed Fazar 4 Points (2C)
