The 10th game of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2023 took place today (Saturday) at the Bogambara Stadium, as Zahira College began their season with a nail-biting 18-15 win against the home team Dharmaraja College.
From the very beginning, the match displayed the kind of intensity and competitive spirit that would captivate the spectators.
Dharmaraja College kicked off but found themselves penalized in the seventh minute, granting Zahira College an opportunity to take an early lead through a penalty kick converted expertly by full-back Ahamed Saad, known for his precision with the golden boot. (ZCC 03-00 DRCK).
Exploiting the mistakes made by the Rajans, Saad struck again in the tenth minute, widening Zahira’s lead with another successful penalty kick from a remarkable 50-meter distance. (ZCC 06-00 DRCK)
Zahira College dominated the early stages of the game, and their dominance translated into points when Saad himself scored a magnificent try in the 20th minute, racing from the 50-meter line to touchdown. (ZCC 11-00 DRCK)
However, Dharmaraja College refused to yield, and it was Akila Jayasinghe who broke through Zahira’s defense, scoring a try for the home team. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt fell short, leaving Zahira with the advantage. (ZCC 11-05 DRCK)
Zahira College displayed exceptional line-out kicks, strategic moves, and cohesive rolling mauls, effectively utilizing their forward pack to gain ground and momentum.
Just before Half Time, Zahira College capitalized on its strengths, employing a rolling maul and pick-and-go strategy which resulted in prop M. R. Muhammad bulldozing through the Rajans’ defense for another try.
The Half Time score stood at (ZCC 18-5 DRCK) in favour of Zahira College, setting the stage for an enthralling second half.
The start of the second half brought a series of unfortunate events for Dharmaraja College. Their poor play led to Zahira College being awarded a penalty, although the opportunity was missed.
Adding insult to injury, the Rajans’ Avindra Wijerathan was shown a yellow card, leaving Dharmaraja with only 14 players on the field. This setback fueled the Rajans’ determination, and they launched a relentless offensive, exerting immense pressure on Zahira College.
With less than 15 minutes remaining in the match, Dharmaraja College’s efforts finally paid off when Akila Jayasinghe scored a try, his second in the game. (ZCC 18-10 DRCK) However, the conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the home team trailing.
Dharmaraja College continued their late resurgence, with Ishara Wijewardana breaking through Zahira’s defense to add another try to the scoreboard. (ZCC 18-15 DRCK) Regrettably for the Rajans, the conversion attempt failed.
As the match approached its climax, Dharmaraja College launched a valiant final assault, almost scoring a try in the dying minutes. However, Zahira’s exceptional defense prevented their rivals from capitalizing on the opportunity, resulting in a line-out instead. With an electrifying finish, Zahira College emerged triumphant, defeating Dharmaraja College with a final score of 18-15.
Full Time – Zahira College 18 (2T, 1C, 2P) Dharmaraja College 15 (3T)
NDB Player of the Match – Ahamed Saad
Points Break Down –
Zahira College – Ahamed Saad 1T, 1 C, 2P, M. R. Muhammad 1T
Dharmaraja College – Akila Jayasinghe 2T, Ishara Wijewardana 1T
