Thomians edge past Zahira College to clinch the victory

S. Thomas’ College clashed against Zahira College in the 2nd quarter-final match of the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2024 – President’s Trophy encounter at Sugathadasa Stadium on the 31st August, Saturday. Thomians came out strong, registering a win by beating Zahira 27-20, and secured their spot in the semi-finals against Isipathana College.

The skipper of S. Thomas’ College, Yehan Bulathsinghalage, opened the scorecard for the Thomians by slotting a penalty right through the posts.

(ZC 00 – 03 STC)

In the 5th minute of the game, the lads from Mount Lavinia scored a brilliant try under the posts, capitalising on a Zahira error when they knocked the ball forward right in front of the attacker in their own 22-meter line. The skipper successfully converted the try. Akith Cooray was the man behind this successful move for the Thomians.

(ZC 00 – 10 STC)

In the 22nd minute of the game, Zahira had the opportunity to open their scorecard and add 3 points to the board with a penalty, which their fly-half slotted with ease.

(ZC 03 – 10 STC)

Right after the penalty, a poor clearance by Zahira cost them another try, as the powerful driving maul of S. Thomas’ was just a couple of meters away from extending their lead. The hooker, Dehan Senaratna, was the man with the ball in hand at that time, although the conversion was unsuccessful.

(ZC 03 – 15 STC)

Towards the end of the first half, Zahira responded with a much-needed try, executing powerful pick-and-go’s through their forwards, with Basith Feroz spotting a gap in the defense and scoring. However, Mohamed Farzan was unable to add the extras.

(ZC 08 – 15 STC)

The final play of the first half was brilliantly capitalized on by the Thomians, as a box kick was collected off-guard by Avishka Perera, giving them a strong lead going into the second half.

Half time: S. Thomas’ College 20 (3T 1C 1P) – Zahira College 08 (1T 1P)

Zahira College came out strong in the second half, scoring their second try in the 50th minute with brilliant awareness, attacking from the blindside of the maul. Abdul Careem scored the try, though the conversion was missed, leaving them with a 7-point deficit.

(ZC 13 – 20 STC)

Just a minute later, Zahira’s speedster, Binuk Perera, scored a spectacular solo try from their own 22-meter line, beating six defenders, proving too fast for the Thomians in the 52nd minute. This time, Farzan added the 2 points, leveling the score with S. Thomas’.

(ZC 20 – 20 STC)

The Thomians bounced back hard, scoring their fourth try through Mianka Dias, who worked the ball from their own half to wrap things up. The skipper once again slotted the kick through. As the final whistle blew, the Thomians emerged victorious, advancing to the semi-finals next week. Dehan Senaratne’s standout performance helped secure the win, earning him the NDB Player of the Match award.

(ZC 20 – 27 STC)

• NDB Player of the Match: Dehan Senaratne (S. Thomas’ College)

Full time: S. Thomas’ College 27 (4T 2C 1P) beat Zahira College 20 (3T 1C 1P) 

Points Breakdown

Thomas’ – Dehan Senaratne 1T, Akith Cooray 1T, Mianka Dias 1T, Avishka Perera 1T, Yehan Bulathsinhalage 2C 1P

 

Zahira College – Basith Feroz 1T , Abdul Careem 1T, Binuk Perera 1T, Mohomed Farzan 1C 1P