The Zahira College Grounds witnessed a dominant display by Royal College in their Week 3 clash of the Dialog Schools Rugby League. The Royalists secured a convincing 34 – 07 victory, extending their unbeaten run and showcasing their title aspirations.
From the opening whistle, Royal College dictated the flow of the game. Their Skipper displayed his leadership qualities with a long cutout pass, finding the No. 08, Ayyash, from the left far corner in the 15th minute. Ayyash finished clinically, putting Royal on the scoreboard with a converted try. Nabeel Yahiya started the kicking duties in this match for the Tuskers.
(RC 07 – 00 ZC)
>>Thomians clinch their first victory in a nail-biting thriller
Royal’s forwards displayed their physical prowess throughout the match. Their powerful maul, a signature weapon, proved unstoppable. In the 30th minute, their hooker Naqueeb Mohamed went over the try line after a sustained period of pressure from the dominant Royal pack. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful this time.
(RC 12 – 00 ZC)
Royal’s try machine, Naqueeb, yet again proved to be a thorn in Zahira’s side. Just before Half Time, he showcased his ability with the support of the powerful maul with a well-taken try at the edge of it. Nabeel Yahiya, Royal’s dependable fly-half, slotted the conversion, extending their lead going into the half time.
(RC 19 – 00 ZC)
Half Time: Royal College 19 (3T 2C) – 00 Zahira College
The second half began with a glimmer of hope for Zahira. Their number 13, Luqman Nadeem, produced a moment of brilliance. He mesmerized the Royal defense with a dazzling inside step, leaving them grasping at straws. Nadeem’s try, rightfully dubbed the “Try of the Match”, brought the home crowd to their feet. Basith Feroz converted the try, narrowing the deficit.
(RC 19 – 07 ZC)
>>Royal Tuskers kick off their 2024 season with a comprehensive win
However, Royal quickly regained control. Nabeel Yahiya, showcasing his composure, calmly slotted a penalty to extend their lead.
(RC 22 – 07 ZC)
Royal’s hunger for tries intensified. In the 60th minute, Zahira committed a crucial error. Royal’s Amaan Althaf capitalized instantly, pouncing on the loose ball and sprinting towards the try line. The ever-reliable Nabeel Yahiya converted the try, solidifying Royal’s dominance.
(RC 29 – 07 ZC)
Royal was not content with just a comfortable lead. Spotting space behind the Zahira defense, Nabeel Yahiya opted for a quick tap penalty. This quick-thinking set up Yoshitha Jayasekara for a free run towards the try line. Jayasekara finished with ease, but this time around, the conversion was not successful.
(RC 34 – 07 ZC)
>>Royal Tuskers’ relentless quest for a year of triumph
The Week 3 clash between Royal College and Zahira College provided a glimpse into the competitive nature of the Dialog Schools Rugby League. Royal College’s dominance sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament as they won the match dominating Zahira by 34 – 07 points at Zahira’s own backyard. Ayyash Shiyam stood out as the standout performer for Royal Tuskers today as he showed his abilities in try scoring, breakdowns, counter rucking and in every possible method that he could give his support to the team.
Full Time : Royal College 34 (5T 3C 1P) beat Zahira College 07 (1T 1C)
NDB Bank Player of the Match : Ayyash Shiyam (RC)
Points Breakdown:
Royal College : Naqueeb Mohamed 2T, Ayyash Shiham 1T, Yoshitha Jayasekara 1T, Amaan Althaf 1T, Nabeel Yahiya 3C 1P
Zahira College : Luqman Nadeem 1T, Basith Feroz 1C
