An exuberant CH and FC team displayed an enhanced standard of rugby to rout arch rivals CR and FC by 33 points (4 tries, 2 conversions, 3 penalties) to 10 (2 tries) in a return Dialog rugby league encounter played at Race Course yesterday.
After taking some to settle down CH put up such a well planned and cohesive brand of rugby that rattled the red shirts who were pathetic both in defence and attack. They just could not do anything right and their display was just not in keeping with the game they played earlier this season.
CR began the scoring through a try by Reeza Refaideen who started the move and after off-loading to Tharinda Ratwatte who made some ground into the CH territory again passed over to Refaideen who went past a defender. Ratwatte failed with the conversion.
Thereafter CH got the opportunity to reduce on the lead and Samuel Maduwantha put over a penalty from 25 metres out.
They scored their first try when the ball changed hands and Nivanka Prasad was shown the open gate to go through. Maduwantha failed to added the extra points.
Nirantha Perera scored their next try when he broke away off a move to go over. Once again Maduwantha failed to convert on a windy day.
However, Maduwantha seemed to have adjusted his skills and when offered a penalty sent the ball over from 38 metres out and CH took the lead 16-5 with half time.
After the turn around CR made a good move that saw them going over but the ball was held up and the try not given.
CR then took advantage of a poor pass by Tharinda Ratwatte that was spilled and the loose ball was collected by Nishan Perera who had an open field to score. Maduwantha added the extra points to make it 23-5.
There was no turning back and CH went further ahead when Anuradha Herath was sent over after a quick pass by Hirantha Perera. Maduwantha who seemed to have got back his kicking trend added the extra points.
CH was then offered another penalty for not releasing the ball and Maduwantha kicked right from 45 metres out with the wind behind him.
Towards the closing stages CR stole an opportunity to score a consolation try when off a three quarter move Rehan Silva went over. Ratwatte took a quick drop kick for the conversion that failed.
However time ran out soon after that and CH finished off with a resounding 33-10 win.
Aaqib Jamaldeen refereed