Time has come again for the old and present boys’ of Zahira College, Colombo to remember the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the sovereignty of the motherland. They have organised a rugby encounter between the present and past rugby players on October 4 at Maradana in memory of the late Major Infthikar Yoonoos. The event has now become an annual affair.
Major Inthikar Yoonoos Memorial Trophy was initially organised by the Group of 90’s and Group of 2002 that has become an integral part of the Zahira College rugby calendar. This year however, the Zahirians have taken another step forward by expanding the memorial trophy awarded in memory of an individual to that of all servicemen produced by Zahira, who lost their lives in the battlefield.
Led by a blazing century from Tillakaratne Dilshan and a brace of cameos, the world's No. 5 team started their Champions Trophy campaign in fine style by beating the top-ranked side. Graeme Smith's decision to field was based on the lack of dew in the afternoon but none of the bowlers, barring Dale Steyn, made an impression. Dilshan's 92-ball 106, coupled with significant inputs from captains past and present, lifted them to a daunting total that was well beyond South Africa.