Zahira College hosted Kingswood College in the third week of the Dialog Schools Rugby League, at their home grounds in Maradana yesterday (21st June). A scrappy first half from both teams showed little promise, until a second-half scuffle sparked both sides into life. Eventually, Kingswood College emerged victorious, beating the Tankers 27–18 to register their first win of the season.
Right from the kickoff, Zahira College had the opportunity to score their first try after a charge-down from one of the Tankers. However, “butterfingers” plagued the home side throughout the match. Still, just a minute later, some solid team effort led to the little wing three-quarter, Saraph, diving over in the corner for the first Amana Bank Try of the match. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed. (ZC 05 – 00 KCK)
After a few scrappy exchanges, Zahira were penalised for offside 20 meters out, right in front of the posts. This allowed Kingswood’s fullback, Rivin Bawdween, to slot in three points, reducing the deficit to two. (ZC 05 – 03 KCK)
Zahira continued to find chances to score, but poor handling saw them knock the ball on the try line—twice in ten minutes. Eventually, they were awarded a penalty for a high tackle by a Kingswood flanker. Big prop forward Tuan Raheem stepped up and calmly slotted the kick with the confidence of a backline player. (ZC 08 – 03 KCK)
Zain Zahim, Zahira’s number 13, was a standout performer with his exceptional kicking game. Whether clearing from danger or finding touch, he consistently gained valuable territory for his team. Zahira once again knocked on over the line, but luck was on their side when another high tackle from Kingswood allowed Tuan Raheem to add another three points before Half Time. (ZC 11 – 03 KCK)
Just before Half Time, Kingswood’s Rivin Bawdween attempted a solo effort with a punt-and-chase inside Zahira’s danger zone. However, his adrenaline got the better of him as he committed an accidental high tackle, earning a trip to the sin bin. Down to 14 men, Kingswood leaned on their heavy forwards who fought hard to push No. 8 Maduranga Pushpakumara over the try line. Aathif Aslim added the conversion from the corner. (ZC 11 – 10 KCK)
Half-Time: Zahira College, Maradana 11 – Kingswood College, Kandy 10
With just a one-point difference at Half Time, Kingswood restarted the second half. Zahira came out with creative set moves, surprising the opposition with plays rarely seen in school Rugby. Once Ravin Bawdween returned from the sin bin, Kingswood looked more composed and dangerous.
The turning point came in the third quarter when a scuffle broke out between both sides. Zahira’s Captain Luqman Hakeem and Kingswood’s Sadew Amarasuriya were both shown yellow cards for their involvement. That moment lit a spark—not just among the players, but also among the fans and coaching staff on both sides.
Five minutes later, Zahira’s Iyaad Yusuf tried to force points by taking a quick tap from a penalty just five meters out. He bulldozed toward the try line, but despite referee Anurashantha consulting the Assistant Referee, no grounding was seen, resulting in another penalty instead of a try. Still, Zahira failed to convert the opportunity into points.
Soon after, a fresh substitute from Zahira was shown a yellow card in the 50th minute. Kingswood capitalised on the advantage, and Rivin Bawdween landed a 40-meter thumping penalty to give his side the lead for the first time. (ZC 11 – 13 KCK)
Zahira responded 10 minutes later with a beautifully constructed try involving both forwards and backs, ending with Zain Zahim diving over the line. Hakeem Chunchi successfully slotted the conversion. (ZC 18 – 13 KCK)
In the final five minutes, Kingswood’s forward pack showcased resilience and grit, executing multiple phases before Venusha Marasinghe scored a try that reflected the team’s effort. Aathif Aslim added the extras to take the lead again. (ZC 18 – 20 KCK)
Zahira tried to rally in the dying stages, throwing everything they had to reclaim the lead, but Kingswood’s determination proved too strong. The visitors struck once more right after their previous try. Both wingers combined beautifully to gain nearly 50 meters before setting up their Skipper, Thaveesha Ekanayake, for the final try. Aathif Aslim calmly converted for the third time. (ZC 18 – 27 KCK)
Zahira fought valiantly to at least secure a losing bonus point in the last moments, but it wasn’t enough. Once Referee Anurashantha blew the final whistle, emotions overflowed at the Zahira grounds. Kingswood College stood tall, celebrating their first win of the season in what turned out to be a rollercoaster of a match.
Full-Time: Zahira College, Maradana 18 – Kingswood College, Kandy 27
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Thaveesha Ekanayake (Kingswood)
Points Breakdown
Kingswood College
Rivin Bawdween 6 (2P) Maduranga Pushpakumara 5 (1T) Athif Aslim 6 (3C) Venusha Marasinghe 5 (1T) Thaveesha Ekanayake 5 (1T)
Zahira College
Ghani Saraph 5 (1T) Tuan Raheem 6 (2T) Zain Zahim 5 (1T) Hakeem Chunchi 2 (1C)
. A scrappy first half from both teams showed little promise until a second-half scuffle sparked both sides into life. Eventually, Kingswood College emerged victorious, beating the Tankers 27–18 to register their first win of the season. ){kind=link}