Wesley College came up with an improved performance, although it was a close call, to beat Zahira College by 21 points (3 tries, 2 penalties) to 14 (2 tries, 2 conversions) in their Dialog inter school league rugby encounter at Maradana yesterday after leading 8-0 at half time.
Wesley took time to settle down and could score only a try and a penalty in the first half.
They first scored off a penalty followed soon after with a try by Kaveesha Dilhara that went unconverted.
They played forcefully in the second half using their heavier forwards to make inroads into the Zahira territory time and again. But overall Zahira put up a resolute performance and were always in the match.
Wesley increased their lead through another penalty and scored a try through burly M. Safraz five minutes later. This gave them a convincing 16 points to nil lead at that point.
Zahira came back with a try by Alan Arafath off a line out that was also converted by Basith Feroz.
Wesley increased on the lead when they took a short tap and sent Kaveesha Dilhara for his second try that was unconverted.
However, towards the end of the game Zahira came back strongly and scored a try when their scrum half Basith Feroz spotted the opening and went over.
This try was converted by Mohamed Farzan and Zahira managed to reduce on the lead to 14 points to 21.
Anura Shantha refereed
