Wesley's Daiyan Sabah (middle) is foxed between Zahira's Mihaj Samusdeen (down) and Shariq Usuph (R)
Wesley College managed to secure a 26 – 07 bonus point victory against Zahira College after a muddy affair at Maradana, earlier today.
Rahuman Booso kick started the game deep inside Wesley territory and immediately the Double-blues’ were put under real pressure. However, the home team’s dominance ended in the eighth minute when the Wesley three-quarters out-ran the Zahirian defence and scored a perfect try through Sanjula Perera who touched down in the right flank. Murshid Zubair added the extras. (ZC 0 – 7 WC)
The next ten minutes saw the visitors settling down. Showing good technique and composure at the breakdowns, the Wesleyites took the upper hand. After some good hands inside the opposition ’22, Murshid Zubair managed to slice through the centre channel and score slightly away from the posts. The young fullback bisected the posts with his conversion giving Wesley the perfect start. (ZC 0 – 14 WC)
In an attempt to recollect themselves, the Zahirians scored a stunning try. After setting up a perfect rolling maul, the forwards drove till the try line from the ’22 as the tighthead, Amjad Fawmy touched down scoring Zahira’s first and only try. Minhaj Samsudeen slotted the kick in adding the extra two. However, the calm Wesleyites stayed focused and outplayed their opposition, keeping hold of possession and playing the territorial game. (ZC 7 – 14 WC)
As the end of the first-half neared, Wesely extended their lead with another five pointer scoring a try in the corner similar to their first. As the conversion drifted away, referee Rohan Fernando blew the half-time whistle.
Half Time: WC led 19 – 7 ZC
Meanwhile, dark clouds covered the skies above Maradana as rain poured down heavily making conditions unsuitable for a good game of rugby.
Both teams opted to kick the ball frequently due to the wet conditions. The difference between the two stood in their execution. The Zahirians kicked unnecessarily, even inside the Wesley redzone which cost them dearly, whilst Wesley played it smart kicking the ball into space and gaining the territorial advantage.
As drop balls and unforced errors ruined the continuity of the game, both teams stood scoreless until the final minute. Theekshana Vithanage scored the last try after sneaking through a gap in the scattered Zahira defence sealing the deal in favour of Wesley. Zubair added the extras as the game came to a close with Wesley coming on top ending victorious with a bonus point.
Full Time : Wesley College 26 (4T, 3C) beat – 07 Zahira College (1T 1C)
ThePapare.com’s Player of the Match: Sanjula Perera (WC)
Points Breakdown – WC
Tries: Sanjula Perera 2, Murshid Zubair, Theekshana Vithanage
Conversions: Murshid Zubair 3Points Breakdown – ZC
Tries: Amjad Fawmy
Conversions: Minhaj Samsudeen
Bookings: Zaid Thajudeen
