Zahira College produced a resilient second-half performance to overturn a halftime deficit and secure a hard-fought 31-25 victory over Science College at Mount Lavinia. In a match characterized by physical set-pieces and shifting momentum, the Zahirians displayed immense grit to clinch the win in the dying stages of a contest where both sides traded blows in a high-intensity battle.
The hosts started the afternoon with clinical precision, capitalizing on early territory to breach the Zahira defense. Science College utilized their home ground advantage effectively in the first half, crossing the whitewash three times to keep the scoreboard pressure high. Tharusha Gallage opened the account in the 4th minute, followed shortly by a clinical finish from winger Ashen Induranga. Playmaker Oshada Fonseka also crossed the line, ensuring Science maintained control through the early phases. Despite the Science onslaught, Zahira stayed within touching distance through tries from Kamraan and Shahib Ishan, ensuring the contest remained wide open as the teams headed into the sheds.
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Half Time: Science College 19 (3T, 2C) – 14 (2T, 2C) Zahira College
The script flipped following the resumption as Zahira College tightened their defensive line and began to dictate the tempo of the game. While Science managed to add two penalties through the boot of Oshada Fonseka, they were unable to find the try line again as the Zahira forwards took control of the breakdown.
Zahira’s persistence paid off as Habeeb Uzni crossed for a vital try, followed by a clinical team effort that saw the visitors surge into the lead. A pivotal moment occurred near the Science try line when a slip in play allowed Muzil Samath to pounce and score a fast-moving try for the hosts. However, Zahira’s composure remained intact, with every opportunity from the tee maximized to stay ahead despite a late surge from the Science outfit. Towards the final whistle, Science had countless opportunities to reclaim the lead, but a solid Zahira defense kept them away from the whitewash to secure a vital victory on the road.
Full Time: Science College 25 (3T, 2C, 2P) – 31 (4T, 4C, 1P) Zahira College
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Habeeb Uzni (Zahira).
Points Breakdown
Zahira College – 31
Kamraan – 1T, Shahib Ishan – 1T, Habeeb Uzni – 1T, Muzil Samath – 1T, Shaheel Shiyam – 2C, Hakeem Chunchi – 1C, Zain Hassan – 1P, 1C
Science College – 25
Tharusha Gallage – 1T, Ashen Induranga – 1T, Oshada Fonseka – 1T, 1C, 2P, Akila Rajapaksha – 1C
