Zahira thrash Mahanama

Zahira College playing its 2nd round rugby matches under Plate Championship in the ongoing Singer Inter schools Rugby Tournament, registered an emphatic win over Mahanama College by 24 points to 10 played at Air Force ground last Sunday.

Winners accumulated their points through 2 goals and 2 tries while Mahanama College scored a goal and a penalty.

The score stood as 12 - 07 in favour of Zahira at half time.

Zahira drew the first blood in the 6th minute with an under the post try after a fine three quarter move by their winger Yuzraan Lantra. It was converted by Nirhan Gunawijeya. 5 minutes later, Lantra scored his 2nd try with another good three quarter move. The conversion was fluffed this time by Nirhan.

Undeterred by the scores, Mahanama kept on pressurizing the opponent with power play. In the process they made many mistakes at vital moments which cost them dearly. Mahanama dominated the play in the last 15 minutes of the first half with good sporadic moves. Their efforts bore fruit when they were offered a penalty and scrum half Ayesh Widuranga scored a try near the goal post through a quick tap in the 38th minute.

Mahanama kept the momentum going on from the resumption of second half as well. But Zahira defended well and foiled all their attempts of scoring. Mahanama was offered a penalty at the 62nd minute and made no mistake by their flanker, Nimantha Gimhan.

Retaliating,zahira scored their 3rd try the at the 72nd minute by flanker Ishak Hilmy and the 4th try at 79th minute by full back A.R.A. Booso which was converted by Zaid Singhawansa.

Priyantha Gunarathne handled the game.

Zahira will play its next match against Prince of Wales College on Friday,june 17 at CR & Fc.they are making a strong bid to be promoted to Division 1, segment ‘A’ next year.they emerged unbeaten group leader in first round and has lost only to St. Joseph’s 21 points to 20 while a draw against DSS College 27 all in the second round.