Zahira College won the ‘Roger Rodrigo’ Rugby 7s Challenge Shield, when they beat last year’s champions, Trinity College, by 21 points (3 goals) to 14 (2 goals), during extra time, in the inter schools rugby sevens tournament, staged at the Wanderers Grounds, in Sharjah, UAE, recently.

This annual encounter was organized by the Lanka Lions Sports Club for the fifth time.

Sri Lankan expatriates from 11 schools locked horns in the tournament which was sponsored by Aramex.

Zahira playmaker Imran Marso barged over for a try in the opening minute, followed by another try by Faroon Hamim, which was converted by Marso.

At lemons, Zahira were ahead 14 nil.

After the turn around, the Trinitians fought back and made life difficult for the Zahirians. Trinitian Lakshan de Siva planted two superb tries which were converted by Imad Riyal. At full time the scores were 14 all.

Zahira skipper Ramshan Cuncheer who had a good game passed the ball to Shaban Sheriff who breezed through to score the match winning try in the 3rd minute of extra time, and the final score read Zahira 21 points and Trinity 14.

Ramshan Cuncheer of Zahira was adjudged the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

On their way to the final, Zahira trounced Trinity ‘B’ 42-00, Royal 49-7, Mahanama 14-7 and Thurstan 42-0, in the semi final.

Trinity beat Isipatana in the semi final 24-0, with Tony Wasim, Azarath Deen ad Imaed Royal (2) scoring the tries.

Mahanama won the Plate final defeating St. Peter’s 21-5 with the Skipper Kelum Taraka Silva scoring their opening try, while Amila Perera touched down twice either side of the interval. Saliya Asanka converted the tries. Malinga Fernando pulled one back for the Peterites before half time.

Wesley, led by Daminda Kumara, beat Royal 26-14 to win the Bowl final.

The UAE Schools team, lead by Rohan de Silva took the Spoon for the first time, when they recorded an impressive 27-5 win over Trinity ‘B’.

The Cup champion’s trophy was presented to Zahira skipper Ramshan Cuncheer by Roger Rodrigo (former Police and Sri Lanka scrum half).

Rodrigo has represented the Arabian Gulf as well, for three years.

The Cup final was refereed by Dilroy Fernando.