Zahira College produced a spirited all-round performance to secure their place in the Super Round with a hard-fought 36-28 victory over Thurstan College in the final week of the first round of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 played at Zahira College Grounds.
A must-win clash awaited Zahira College after last week’s setback against S. Thomas’ College as they hosted Thurstan College, who also remained firmly in the hunt for a Plate Segment spot in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026.
The hosts made a powerful start, earning an early penalty before kicking to the corner and setting up a rolling maul. Hooker Shahib Ishan grounded the ball at the back of the drive to open the scoring for Zahira.(ZC 05-00 TC)
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However, the lead lasted only a few minutes. Kamran Amin’s clearance kick was kicked behind the dead-ball line, gifting Thurstan a five-metre scrum. Scrum-half Senath Perera quickly shifted the ball to fly-half Nehad Sallay, whose sharp break brought play close to the line. After several powerful pick-and-drives from the forwards, No. 8 Yehan Anawarathne powered over, while Akeesha Pushpakumara added the conversion to hand Thurstan the lead. (ZC 05-07 TC)
Zahira responded immediately through another well-worked set-piece move. After winning consecutive penalties, the hosts again kicked to the corner, but this time cleverly switched play away from the expected rolling maul. Habeeb Unzi broke down the short side from the lineout and drew the final defender before releasing Shahib Ishan, who crossed in the corner for his second try of the game. (ZC 10-07 TC)
The entertaining first half continued at a frantic pace as Thurstan struck back once more. Their rolling maul was halted near the five-metre mark, but the forwards kept the attack alive through several tight phases. Playing under penalty advantage for offside, Perera fired the ball to Nehad Sallay, who produced a long pass to skipper Ahad Sallay. The captain shrugged off one defender and powered through another to score, with Pushpakumara converting again. (ZC 10-14 TC)
Zahira then regained momentum through a fortunate passage of play. After Thurstan cleared from the restart, skipper Hakeem Chunchie launched a counterattack through Zain Zahim, whose kick towards the corner created confusion for fullback Theekshana Munasinghe. Attempting to keep the ball in play near the dead-ball area, Munasinghe knocked it loose, allowing winger Lisath Pathirana to pounce and score. Amin added the conversion. (ZC 17-14 TC)
But the drama was far from over. Zahira knocked on from the restart, and Thurstan immediately punished them by spreading the ball wide. Munasinghe sparked the move with a dangerous run before Amindu Rajapakshe’s brilliant angle created the opening. Perera delivered the final pass perfectly, and Pushpakumara converted from the touchline to edge Thurstan back in front. (ZC 17-21 TC)
Thurstan looked set to build further momentum after earning a penalty for a high tackle, but unnecessary retaliation from skipper Ahad Sallay reversed the decision and handed possession back to Zahira. The hosts patiently worked the ball across the field through multiple phases before skipper Chunchie delivered a wide pass to Pathirana, who burst through in the corner for his second try of the match, ensuring Zahira carried a slender lead into halftime.
Half Time: Zahira College 22 (4T,1C) – Thurstan College 21 (3T,3C)
The hosts carried their momentum into the second half, immediately applying pressure on Thurstan College. A clearance kick from Ahad Sallay was brilliantly gathered by Gani Scarp, who produced a strong run through the defensive line before finally being brought down just metres short of the try line. Zahira quickly recycled possession through three rapid phases, preventing Thurstan from resetting defensively, before the powerful Ahamed Arafath crashed over from close range. Saifullah Zulfikar added the conversion to extend the lead. (ZC 29-21 TC)
Following the explosive start to the half, the game entered a more stop-start rhythm, with handling errors and penalties disrupting the tempo. Despite this, Thurstan dominated both territory and possession as they desperately searched for a way back into the contest. Their forwards put in a tremendous shift around the breakdown, and patient close-quarter play eventually paid off when No. 8 Yehan Anawarathne powered over from short range. Pushpakumara held his nerve to slot an excellent touchline conversion, reducing the deficit to just a single point. (ZC 29-28 TC)
With the game hanging in the balance, Zahira College produced the decisive moment. Hooker Shahib Ishan spotted a gap in the Thurstan defensive line and surged deep into opposition territory. As the final defender closed in, Ishan managed to release an offload, and Gani Scarp’s brilliant supporting line was rewarded as he gathered the ball and raced under the posts to score the crucial try. Zulfikar added the extras to seal victory and secure Zahira’s place in the Cup Segment.
Full Time: Zahira College 36 (6T,3C) – Thurstan College 28 (4T,4C)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Shahib Ishan (Zahira College)
Points Breakdown
Zahira College 36
Shahib Ishan 2T, Lisath Pathirana 2T, Ahamed Arafath 1T, Gani Scarp 1T, Saifullah Sulfikar 2C, Kamran Amin 1C
Thurstan College 28
Yehan Anawarathne 2T, Ahad Sallay 1T, Amindu Rajapaksha 1T, Akeesha Pushpakumara 4C
