A review by Muhammed Jameel (Web Content Team)
The semifinal of the Rugby Knockouts started off with the first game on the 9th of May. The first game between Trinity and Zahira at the Royal Complex was set to be a fierce and action-packed game.
The Tinitians kicked the game off and an early mistake from the Zahirians cost them a five pointer as Manusha Silva capitalized on their mistake. Shan Althaf didn’t let go of his form from the past two weeks as he added the extras. (TCK 07 – ZCC 00)
A few missed passes and messy play by the Trinity side left Althaf to use some of his own skills and try to create a good phase of play. He fended off a couple of defenders and finished off a magnificent try. The conversion swayed by the uprights. (TCK 12 vs ZCC 00)
The Trinitians were caught offside in defence and gave away a penalty in a treacherous area of the field. The Zahirians were eying a few points from this phase as they set up a maul and scored a try. The conversion was good. (TCK 12 – ZCC 07)
In a strong suit of defence from the Trinitians, two of them clattered into each other causing a delay in the defence line. The back line from Zahira exploited all the gaps they could, and their efforts were commended as they got over the try line. The conversion was unsuccessful. (TCK 12 – ZCC 12)
Halftime – 12 points a piece
The Zahirians commenced the second half with the kickoff. In this game, the Trinitians and Zahirians were caught guilty of clumsy mistakes in promising phases of attack. After a long passage of play, Hamza Abdeen received the ball at the back of the lineout and dove over to score a try that put Trinity ahead. The conversion from Althaf was successful. (TCK 19 – ZCC 12)
The Trinity defence is worth a mention as their efforts in avoiding conceding tries these past 3 games have been near perfect. The superior defence from Trinity overpowered the Zahirian attack as the skipper Safraz executed a chip and chase and sealed the match as a Trinity victory. Althaf converted the two points. (TCK 26 – ZCC 12)
To close out proceedings at the Royal Complex, Shan Althaf struck a 3 pointer to further extend the lead. (TCK 29 – ZCC 12)
Full Time – Trinity triumph over a challenging Zahira side 29 points to 12
Points Breakdown
- Trinity College – 4 Tries, 3 Conversions, 1 Penalty Goal
- Zahira College – 2 Tries, 1 Conversion, 1 Penalty Goal
The victory at the Royal Complex advances Trinity to the Finals of the President’s Trophy knockouts where Isipathana College will be the opponent. We wish the team all the best!
