By Sandun Kodithuwakku
 

Trinity College began the new Inter-Schools rugby season with a hard-fought 22-11 victory over Zahira College in their Singer Under-19 Division One League Tournament Segment IIA fixture worked off at Maradana on Saturday.

The Trinitians stuck to their basics and played some sensible rugby to outplay the home side while collecting their points from two goals, one try and one penalty having led 14-6 at half time.   

Zahira of course, did well to exploit the home advantage and they provided some real anxious moments to the opposition despite falling short where they managed to score only a solitary try and two penalties.

Even then, Trinity never had the opportunity of dominating the game as possession were shared in the line-outs and set pieces.  

However, the Trinitians were able to get the maximum from the limited opportunities as they scored twice in the first half and added the third try midway in the second half.

In fact, Trinity got things underway early in the game when number eight Rahul Dhiren went over for a superb try from a five-metre scrum.  

Rashen Bandaranayake missed the conversion but Trinity were able to snatch the initiative.

Zahira reduced the deficit few minutes later with winger Abdul Zalam firing across a neat penalty to make it 3-5.

However, the visitors extended the lead once again when hooker N. T. B. Alawathuregama powered his way for a push over try with Bandaranayake adding the extra points.

Zalam converted his second penalty for Zahira few minutes later to make it 6-14 at the interval.  

After the resumption, Junaid Ratnayake scored Trinity’s third try near the corner flag following a magnificent effort from Bandaranayake who dashed through nearly 50 metres before sending out a pass.  

Zahira’s best moment in the match came shortly afterwards when flanker Mohamed Mirshan crashed through for a splendid try following a short tap.

Zalam missed the conversion and Zahira were trailing 11-19 at that stage.

However, Trinity sealed the game in their favour with fly half M. D. Jayawardena putting over a penalty from 25 metres out.  

Referee: Dinka Peiris