Zahira shine in the rain to claim U14 Elite Rugby Cup

Zahira College U14 rugby team

By Shamseer Jaleel

Zahira College stamped their authority in junior rugby when they clinched the All Island Under-14 Elite Schools Rugby Cup segment, edging out Wesley College in the Cup final at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele. Despite the wet and slippery conditions, Zahira displayed superior discipline and determination to secure the title.

In the Plate final, Ananda College edged out Royal College 7-5 in a nail-biter. The Anandians held their nerve in a tense finish, defending fiercely in the dying moments to walk away with well-deserved silverware.

The Bowl segment also produced a thriller, where Antonians overcame defending Cup champions S. Thomas’ College 5-0. Meanwhile, Mahanama College ensured they did not return to Colombo empty-handed, claiming the Shield title with a convincing 14-0 victory over Prince of Wales College. Their attacking flair stood out as one of the highlights of the tournament.

A total of 32 teams battled for honours in this year’s competition, with matches worked off across two venues, Digana and Pallekele, on the opening day before converging at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium for the final rounds.

Cup segment results:
Zahira beat Wesley: 5-0
Plate segment: Ananda beat Royal 7-5
Bowl segment: St. Anthony’s beat S. Thomas’ 10-5
Shield segment: Mahanama beat Prince of Wales 14-0