7th Zahira Rugby 7’s for the “Friendship Cup” was held yesterday at Zahira College grounds, Maradana
Zahira Rugby 7’s organized by the sixties batch of Zahira College was held on the 18th of January. Twelve schools fought for the “Friendship Cup” and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.00. This was the seventh time this tournament was organized. First three times Isipathana College emerged Cup winners. Science College emerge champions for two consecutive years. In 2013, 6th Zahira Rugby 7’s was won by Vidyartha College and they came this time to defend their title.
With the defending champions the other contestants were Isipathana College, Piliyandala Central, Prince of Wales, St Benedict’s College, Carey College, Lalith Athulathmudali College, Nalanda College, Lumbini College, Royal College Panadura, Asoka College and last but not least the hosts, Zahira College. These 12 teams were divided into four groups.
Group A-Vidyartha, Nalanda, Lumbini, Asoka
Vidyartha came on top and proceeded to the Cup semi-final. They won all three of their group matches convincingly, winning with 10 points to 5 against Nalanda, 14 points to 5 against Lumbini and 28- 0 against Asoka. The boys from Kandy looked determined to take the cup back with them. Lumbini fixed their place in the Plate semi -final while Nalanda secured a spot in the bowl semi- final.
Group B- Zahira Greens, Carey, Royal Panadura
The hosts Zahira A team aka. Zahira greens comfortably proceeded to the cup semi final, winning against Carey 31 points to 7 and against Royal Panadura 12 points 10. Royal Panadura beat Carey and proceeded to plate semi-final leaving Carey a place in the bowl semi finals.
Group C – Prince of Wales, Piliyandala Central, St Benedict’s College
Prince of Wales showed their colours and stormed their way to the cup semi final, against St Benedict’s 29- 7 and against Piliyandala Central 29-5. Piliyandala secured a place in the Plate semi final while St Benedict’s managed to find a place in the bowl semi finals.
Group D-Isipathana College, Zahira Maroons, Lalith Athulathmudali College
Tournament favorites Isipathana College found it pretty easy to take the remaining place in the cup semi- final. With three U19 national Rugby players in their side, they looked to be the team to beat in this years’ Zahira Rugby 7’s. They thrashed Zahira College B team(Zahira Maroons) 48-0and Lalith Athulathmudali 24-5. Lalith Athulathmudali secured a place in the plate semi- final as Zahira Maroons found their way to bowl semi finals
The knockout round started with Bowl semi -finals with Bens winning against Nalanda 22-10 while Carey grabbed the other semi -final against Zahira Maroons 14 -7. In the Plate semi -finals Lumbini and Lalith Athulathmudali proceeded to the plate finals beating Piliyandala central and Royal College Panadura respectively
It was crunch time when the four best teams in this years Zahira Rugby 7’s clashed for a spot in the Cup finals. First semi -finals was played between Prince of Wales and defending champions Vidyartha College. Vidyartha College wasn’t playing good enough rugby to win the cup this time around and the boys from Moratuwa looked determined and strong winning convincingly 17-10 and giving Prince of Wales a chance to make their name in the rugby arena. The 2nd semi- final was played between the hosts and the favorites of this tournament. Zahira greens with the home ground advantage had a big hurdle ahead of them. Isipathana was eager to show their dominance in the rugby arena and they decimated the opponent 28-0.
The chief guest for the event was nation hero Muttiah Muraliadaran while as guest of honor Nalin De Silva, Secretary of Srilankan Rugby Football Union made an appearance.
In the finals Carey was first up against Bens for the bowl championship. It was a tight match as both teams didn’t score until the last five minutes. Bens came on top when they scored a try in that final few minutes and took home the bowl championship. Next was the plate championship which was played between Lalith Athulathmudali and Piliyandala Central. It was an one sided affair as Lalith Athulathmudali won easily scoring 31-05 to take Plate.
The Cup finals had Isipathana taking on underdogs Prince of Wales. Isipathana with crowd support behind them looked threatening. Prince of Wales kicked off proceedings as the match got under away. From the beginning the boys from Moratuwa looked strong and determined. Isipathana on the other hand looked a bit rusty in the beginning which gave the underdogs Prince of Wales a chance to get ahead in the game. They went ahead when Vihanga Pivithiru went over the try line in the first half. Isipathana fought back strong and scored a try with GLD Padmasanka going over the try line. Prince of Wales didn’t seem to be backing down from the strong Isipathana attack. They scored their second try after few minutes when Navodya Pieris scored a sensational try which was converted succesfully by Sujan Sandun. First half ended with Prince of Wales leading 12 points to 5.
Second half was a thrilling passage of play. Isipathana College came all guns blazing as they powered their way through to two quick goals. First try was kept by WCA Fernando which was converted by WAC Dilshan. The 2nd try was kept by WKIS Silva and succesfully converted by IU Kongahawaththa. Despite this peppering Prince of Wales did not give up and their attitude and determination won them another one as Nilshika Prasannajith went over the try line and it was converted into a goal which made the scores 19 all at the final whistle. An ideal ending for great day of rugby. The match was extended into 3 minutes of extra time. Both teams unwilling to let go of the opportunity. Isipathana managed to score in the extra time through Rehan Romesh to win the Cup. Prince of Wales went off with their head held in earning the respect of all present.
