Thursday, February 13, 2025

Champs CR survive underdog’s bite

by malinga
January 19, 2025 1:15 am 0 comment 535 views

By TB Rahaman
CR’s fullback Murshid Doray goes over the line against CH defender Udesh Madushanka (Pic: Shan Rambukwella)

CR & FC could call it sheer luck to beat CH & FC narrowly by 27 points (4 tries, 2 conversions, a penalty) to 22 (3 tries, 2 conversions, 1 drop goal) in their Premier League A division rugby encounter played at the Race Course ground yesterday.

It was CH who were on the attack during the dying minutes of the game and had they scored a try and converted it they would ended up winners. But unfortunately, during the numerous offensive moves they lost possession and CR kicked the ball out to finish the game.

It was an intense second half with both sides enjoying possession and making some daring offensive moves that kept the game exciting and interestingly close. Either side could have ended winners but the Red Shirts were the lucky ones to have scored the winning try in the 71st minute that gave them the five point lead after the scores were equal on 22-22 up to that time.

Janidu Dilshan scored for CH first in the second half through his solo efforts that saw him go over.

Then CR added three more points through a penalty by Doray to give them the 22 points to 15 lead.

CH played with more determination from that point onward with their forwards handling the ball and making the advances. Then they made a series of mauls and lock forward Nirosh Perera completed the move with a try.

Dinesh de Silva made the conversion to equalize on 22-22

Then came the winning try by CR who sent the ball to their back division and winger Aaron Corera went over by the corner flag.

The conversion was missed by Murshid Doray but they took the lead once again 27-22.

It was after this that CH made a series of advances into the CR territory and unfortunately lost possession and CR kicked the ball out to finish the game on a winning note.

The first half saw the two teams in a tight contest for possession and the side that enjoyed the most of it was CR & FC who scored thrice.

CH & FC scored first as early as in the second minute when off a line out sent the ball to the blind side for Udesh Madushanka to go over for a try.

The conversion was made by Janith Chandimal to take the lead 7-0.

But it did not take long before CR scored a try. They worked a series of moves and saw Thanuja Jayaweera go over.

Murshid Doray made the angular conversion to equalize.

CR scored again in the ninth minute when off a loose maul Adeesha Weeratunga forced his way. Doray converted and took a 14-7 lead. CH collected three points through a drop goal by Janith Chandimal.

However, CR came back with their forwards and off another line out from 20 metres out they used the rolling maul and Venura Kodagoda went over with the ball tucked under his arm.

Aruna Shantha refereed.

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