D.S. Senanayake beat the hosts Zahira College 41-35 to retain the R.I.T. Alles Trophy.
Right from the kickoff, Zahira looked unsettled. They failed to collect the kick cleanly, allowing the Dons to win a scrum and gain early territory. From that platform, D.S. Senanayake steadily built momentum, and in just the 2nd minute, Chamith Samarasinghe powered over the whitewash to open the scoring. Buddika Rusiru added the extras.
(DSS 07-00 ZC)
The Dons continued to dominate and were rewarded with a penalty in the 13th minute. Rusiru stepped up and slotted it through to extend the lead.
(DSS 10-00)
Zahira then found their footing. Akif Azmir broke through to score their first try, and Basith Feroz converted with ease.
(DSS 10-07)
But the Dons quickly took control again, scoring two tries in quick succession. The first came from a brilliant read by Thatheera Perera, who intercepted a pass and ran it all the way under the posts. Rusiru added the two points.
(DSS 17-07)
The second came just before halftime. Skipper Thimeth Jinthula used his strength to bulldoze through the Zahira defense and touch down. The conversion was missed, but DSS went into the break with a strong lead.
Halftime: D.S. Senanayake 22-07 Zahira
Zahira came out firing in the second half. Iyad Yusuf caught the DSS defense off guard by taking a quick tap and darting over the line. Feroz slotted a superb conversion to bring Zahira right back into the contest.
(DSS 22-14)
But the Dons weren’t done yet. They responded swiftly, using the maul to great effect as replacement forward Praveen Lakamal crashed over. Rusiru missed the conversion.
(DSS 27-14)
Just three minutes later, DSS fullback Rusiru produced a moment of brilliance. He chipped a neat grubber kick, chased it down, and scored to extend the lead further. Thatheera Perera made no mistake with the conversion.
(DSS 34-14)
Zahira, still chasing the game, pulled one back in the 60th minute through Affam Abdeen. Feroz continued his perfect kicking record.
(DSS 34-21 ZC)
But Zahira’s comeback hopes took another blow when a loose pass was intercepted by Chamith Samarasinghe, who ran it back for his second try of the evening. Thatheera added the extras.
(DSS 41-21 ZC)
Zahira showed great heart until the final whistle. Zain Hassan touched down for their fourth try, followed shortly by Iyad Yusuf grabbing his second. Feroz converted both, bringing Zahira within six points.
It was a thrilling game packed with action and tries from both sides, but beyond the scoreboard, this fixture was made even more special by Zahira College’s heartfelt gesture. All ticket sales from the game were donated to support young D.S. Senanayake player Janodya, who is currently battling leukemia. A true display of sportsmanship and unity beyond the game.
Full Time: D.S Senanayake College 41 (6T,4C,1P) Zahira College 35 (5T,5P)
Points breakdown
D.S Senanayake College – Thatheera Perera (1T,2C) , Thimath Jinthula (1T), Chamith Samarasinhe (2T), Buddika Rusiru (1T,2C), Praveen Lakmal (1T)
Zahira College- Iyad Yusuf (2T), Zain Hassan (1T), Affam Abdeen (1T), Akif Azmeer (1T), Basith Feroz (5C)
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