Kandy overturns Lions in second half
Kandy SC playing like the former champions in the second half overturned a deficit of 17 points to score a hard fought 19 points (2 goals, 1 try) to 17 (2 goals, 1 penalty) win over the Up Country Lions in a rousing game at Nawalapitita.Sansoni set the pace in the 11th minute when he deftly angled an acute angled kick for that vital early lead. Six minutes later, flanker Gayan Ratnage collected a chip at close quarters and soed away from mid field. Though tackled on the line, he was able to touch down. Sansoni obliged once more for the Up Country Lions to lead 10-0.
The Lions were on the rampage and the back division started running the ball well. Hettiarachchi broke through and sent Nigel Ratwatte over for the next try. Sansoni’s conversion put the Lions firmly in the lead. (17-0)Kandy came back through the forwards, pressurized the defense and scored through Dhanushka Dayan after they switched direction. Marija missed the conversion. (17-5)
The half time lead (17-5) enjoyed by the Lions came under threat in the second half as Kandy stormed all over the formers territory. Play maker and fly half Fazil Marija starred for the winners once again by scoring the tries that mattered.Kandy’s threes kept running the ball and off one such movement Dhanushka Dayan handed over to Marija who scored and converted. (17-12)
The second half was dominated by Kandy who played like a winning team once again.Ten minutes from the end Marija drove the final nail in the coffin by touching down and converting. Sansoni had a shot at glory minutes from the end, as he attempted a 45 yard penalty, dead center. But the heavy ball put paid to his efforts.
The Lions seemed to have lost their devouring instincts in the second half and with them went their chances. Referee – Paul Mackay.
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