CHRIS DHAMBARAGE
COLOMBO – D. S. Senanayake College and Zahira College made a spectacular start in their re-entry into ‘A’ Division rugby by recording stunning victories in their respective League Tournament matches played on Saturday.
D. S. Senanayake delivered a tremendous blow to bring down the high-flying St. Anthony’s College outfit 23-19 in a thriller at the Pallekele Stadium while Zahira edged out Dharmaraja College 18-15 in another blockbuster at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy.
The Antonians, of course, went into this game brimming with a lot of confidence after they had brought down the last year league tournament runners-up St. Joseph’s College 22-12 in the curtain-raiser match played at the Bogambara Stadium last week.
However, D. S. Senanayake immediately proved that they are with a mission this season as they completed their task while collecting their points from one goal, two tries and two penalties.
Speedy wing three quarter Janidu Wijeratne had an outstanding game as he touched down on three occasions while dynamic fly half Sehada Umagiliyage was on target with one conversion and two penalties.
Wijeratne’s third try was a fantastic effort as he powered his way after gaining possession from his own 22 to touch down for a last-minute try, which sealed the contest in D. S. Senanayake’s favour.
Meanwhile, Zahira also grabbed the opportunity to make an instant impact as they defeated Dharmaraja College 18-15 in their very first outing for the current season.
This was a tremendous effort from the Zahirians since they were playing away from home and the odds were heavily against them as the Rajans came into this fixture having stunned Trinity 17-15 at the same venue in their previous outing.
But the visitors held their nerves despite the pressure with a superb team effort with dynamic fly half Ahamed Saad producing a brilliant try and putting over two crucial penalties to turn the game in their favour.
