Zahira shocks Royal 29-26 in a thriller

Zahira College produced one of their finest performances of the season to upset rugby giants Royal College by 29 points (two goals and three tries) to 26 (three goals and one try) in their Inter-Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament match played at the Royal Sports Complex in Colombo yesterday, after leading 12-5 at half time.

The Maradana outfit displayed outstanding discipline, powerful forward play and quick attacking moves to stun the home side in a thrilling contest which went down to the final minutes.

Zahira started the game with great confidence and dominated possession during the opening stages. Their forwards controlled the breakdowns well while the three-quarter line created pressure with fast running rugby.

Royal struggled to settle into their usual rhythm in the first half as Zahira’s defence remained solid.

The visitors crossed for two important tries before the break and restricted Royal to just a solitary try as Zahira carried a deserved 12-5 lead into half time.

Royal returned strongly after the turnaround and gradually increased the tempo of the game. Their experienced backline created several attacking opportunities and the home side managed to score three converted tries to keep themselves in contention.

However, Zahira refused to lose control of the match. Their forwards continued to dominate the physical exchanges while their backs capitalised on crucial mistakes made by Royal.

A decisive late try by Zahira shifted the pressure back onto the Reid Avenue School and eventually proved to be the turning point of the match.

Source - Sunday Observer