“Bringing the glory back Zahira looks fruitful after first 5 matches. The grounds are packed with cheering crowds and waving flags swaying away yearning for a triumphant evening “
Zahira College managed to win 4 matches out of 5 matches in their group. The trip to hill capital to play Vidyartha College was the first victory out of 4. Both the teams played wonderful rugby where forwards had to do majority of the work. Zahira claimed 10 points scoring a try with a conversion and a penalty and in the other hand Vidyartha College managed to pass the try line once and the conversion wasn’t successful. Promising Zahirians kept their calm until the final whistle was blown.
Followed by a hard fought win in Kandy Zahira had the upper hand against St Johns College Nugegoda, Majority of the scrums were turn around and Zahira managed to win the ball. Wingers, Centres and fly half had a wonderful time with the ball Zahira pulled off an easy victory 24-08 at the Science college grounds in Mount Lavinia.
Mahanama College played in the Division one last year and they had tough time against Zahira. Zahira managed to win 20-07. 2 tries with successful conversions and 2 penalties were scored by Zahira and Mananama College managed to score 1 try their conversion was successful. The game was played with superb spirit where both the teams making no mistakes and giving their best shot while keeping the spirit of the game too. Mahanama college had chances to cross the lines couple of times but Zahira defence was up to the task.
Zahira looked more dangerous yet lost their only match against DS Senanayake College 28-18 After a thrilling encounter. Even though Zahira lost it was a wonderful atmosphere at the college grounds where the players witnessed a full house. Chairman of the sports council of Zahira and old boys said that was the biggest crowd gathering for a rugby match in past 9 years. Both the teams had the opportunity to add few more points. Arguably the best match of this season so far for both the teams
After losing to DS Senanayake College, The sweetest victory came against Nalanda College on the 8th of May at the college grounds. Zahira managed to cross the try lines 10 times and Nalanda College was unable to pass the lines even once. Full time scores were 70-06. The highlight of the match was highest points scorer in four matches for Zahira College this season the playmaker captain Mohamed Azeem was rested for the first 70 minutes and was given a chance to play in the last ten minutes where he scored a try, converted successfully and scored a penalty for Zahira. Azeem is also the captain of the College football team.
A spot in Segment 2 is guaranteed and if Zahira could pull another 3 more wins in next 4 matches will give a spot in the top tier division next year. Zahira will play Wesley on 26th May at Sugathadasa Stadium, following weeks CWW Kannangara, Prince of Wales and Thurstan College (who played last in 1998 president cup finals). It’s going to be a tough ask for the Zahirians but the hope & belief is thriving to get back the glory days and the team is ready for the challenge.
