Another game in 4th week of the Singer schools rugby league concluded as Zahira College won their second game over the Cambrians at Maradana. The hosts led 21 – 03 at half time and scored seven more tries in the second half as full-time stood 64 (10T, 7C) – POW 12 (4P)
It was complete dominance by the hosts as predicted after some good performance this season. Tight head prop Mohamed Deen drew first blood and Zaid Singhawansa added the extras. A few minutes later, it was the play-maker Singhawansa who touched down for the second try, which was also converted by him. (Zahira 14 – 00 POW)
Over enthusiastic hosts conceded a penalty for off-side which resulted with three points for the visitors. Full back B.A. Tharanga made no mistake with a 30m kick. Outside center Minhaj Samsudeen made the third try with ease with some silky handling coming in to play by the backs. Singhawansa made no mistake with the two points. (Zahira 21 – 03 POW)
The second quarter was bit of stop play, although Zahira had more possession inside the opposite red zone but they failed to add value to the score board. Cambrians defended well but hooker A.P. Fernando’s high tackle resulted in a trip to the sin-bin. Yet the home team could not score the bonus point try with the numerical advantage going in to the half time.
HT : Zahira 21 (3T 3C) – POW 3 (1P)
Coach Shamly Nawaz must have given some stiff instructions at the break to add the intensity of the game. The highest point’s scorer of the league at the moment, Singhawansa scored his second try with ease and made his kick 4/4. A minute later scrum half Shifaz Amath made his presence felt after sniping through the breakdown for his first try. Singhawansa missed his first kick of the day. (Zahira 33 – 03 POW)
The attacking pace and the rhythm changed in to sixth gear as two tries coming in quick succession in the 50th and 52nd minute. Speedster Yuzran Lantra made a scintillating try from his own half followed by Amath’s second try as outside half Singhawansa darted the extras. (Zahira 47 – 03 POW)
Zahira’s intention was clear as they even refused to take the penalties at the uprights, whereas the visitors had no options but to collect the points. In the 58th minute Tharaga nailed the second penalty with Zahira infringing in the breakdown.
Lantra was a treat to watch with his dazzling footwork and the furious pace. The Winger scored back to back tries to complete his first hat-trick of the season. Tharanga slotted another two penalties for the visitors to take the score up to twelve points. However, Deen barging for his second try was the final nail of the coffin as Zahira produced a stunning second half burst.
FT : Zahira 64 (10T, 7C) – POW 12 (4P)
ThePapare Player of the Match – Mohamed Azhar (ZC)
Points Scorers
Zahira : Zaid Singhawansa (1T 7C), Yuzran Lantra 3T, Shifaz Amath 2T, Minhaj Samsudeen 2T, Mohamed Deen 2T
POW : Tharanga 4P
