Zahira Eye Strong Finish as They Face Isipathana in Super Round Showdown

June 27 – Zahira College will enter their final Dialog Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament Trophy Super Round fixture as favourites when they take on an inconsistent Isipathana College side at Havelock Park on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 4.15 p.m.

After emerging as one of the surprise packages of the season, Zahira will be determined to end their impressive league campaign on a high despite seeing their title hopes dashed by defending champions Trinity College last week.

The Maradana school pushed the unbeaten champions all the way before suffering a narrow 37-32 defeat in one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. While the result ended Zahira’s championship ambitions, their spirited display reinforced their status as one of the competition’s strongest teams.

Zahira have enjoyed an outstanding campaign, recording victories over Kingswood College (20-15), Science College (31-25), Royal College (29-26) and Thurstan College (36-28) during the first round. Their only defeat at that stage came against S. Thomas’ College, who claimed a 35-26 victory.

The Zahirians maintained their momentum in the Super Round with impressive wins over St. Peter’s College (38-34) and Wesley College (38-24), underlining their consistency throughout the season.

In contrast, Isipathana College have experienced an inconsistent campaign. The Green Shirts began with four consecutive victories, including a convincing 33-6 win over Lumbini College, before suffering a heavy 36-12 defeat to Trinity College in their final first-round fixture.

Isipathana bounced back with a commanding 31-12 victory over Royal College to open the Super Round, but successive narrow defeats to St. Peter’s College (29-25) and Wesley College (27-25) have raised concerns over their form heading into Saturday’s contest.

The outcome is likely to hinge on the battle between Zahira’s dominant forward pack and Isipathana’s dangerous backline.

Zahira’s forwards have been among the tournament’s most formidable units. Number eight Muzil Samath has consistently led from the front, while flankers Shaffarullah Zulfikar and Lisath Pathirana have excelled at the breakdown. Hooker Adeeth Habib and lock Zain Hassan have also played pivotal roles in helping Zahira control possession and dictate the tempo of matches.

Behind the scrum, scrum-half Adnan Abdeen and captain Hakeem Chunchie have developed an effective halves partnership, combining tactical awareness with accurate distribution to create scoring opportunities for the backs.

Isipathana, meanwhile, will rely heavily on the attacking flair of their backline. Fly-half Kenula de Costa will orchestrate proceedings, with centre Yuvindu Kodithuwakku and speedy wings Rizmi Jaffrad and Tharuka Jayaweera posing a constant threat out wide. Full-back Nimantha Sandeepa is expected to provide stability under the high ball while launching dangerous counter-attacks.If Zahira can dominate possession through their powerful forwards, they will be well placed to secure another notable victory. However, should Isipathana generate quick ball and unleash their pace in open play, the Green Shirts have the firepower to produce an upset.