CR gives timely reminder

CR and FC shot down Air Force by 29 points (two goals and three tries) to 3 (one penalty) in their Caltex Segment One match played at Longden Place yesterday. In the past few years the league has been a one horse race, but if yesterday’s performance is anything to go by CR and FC could pose a serious challenge to Kandy’s dominance provided they can minimize their ball handling errors which also plagued them last season.

The hosts were never seriously challenged. However, Air Force has to be given credit for their dogged defence and spoiling work. It was also a day to remember for CR and FC’s club debutants as all four of the five touch down were scored by them.

After a bit of rustiness in the opening minutes the victors opened their tally with a well worked try which saw Dev Anand scored by the left corner flag. Almost off the restart Air Force hit back with stand off Chanaka Chandimal slotting home a penalty from 35 metres out. Sadly perhaps that was all the Airmen managed.

As if stung by a wasp CR and FC responded with tries scored by centre Niroshan Karunanayake and openside flanker Pavithra Fernando. Fernando incidentally was the only scorer not making his club debut. Anand converted one to give the hosts a healthy 14 point cushion at lemons.

The Airmen held out for 28 minutes in the second half before Dushantha Lewke barged over following a line out. CR and FC were running at their opponents at every given opportunity and Air Force were fast running out of fuel. A nasty neck tackle by prop Saumya Silva saw him sin binned and CR and FC made their numbers count with Karunanayake making his second touch down. Full back Mhommad Sheriff made no mistake with the conversion.

Two positives to come out of the game for the victors was the speed and agility of both their forwards and backs, and also their bench strength.

Referee: Priyantha Guneratne
Yellow card – Saumya Silva (Air Force)
Kandy on rampage
In the other Segment A Caltex match played yesterday defending champions Kandy made a cricket score against Old Zahirians at Maitland Place. Kandy won by an astonishing 120 points to five.
Havelocks take on Army at Police Park. Kick off at 4.30pm today.