CR shock Havies in a thriller at Longden Place
CR & FC pulled out all stoppers to register a remarkable 17 points (2 goals, 1 penalty) to 12 (1 goal 1 try) win against the favourites Havelocks in the much awaited Dialog sponsored Inter Club League rugby match played at Longden Place Yesterday.
A CR player tries to break through Havelocks defenders. - Pic by Ranjith Perera
CR got into the act as early as in the fifth minute of the game when their hard-running winger Anuradha Herath touchdown after changing course on his run and collecting an inside pass off a brilliant move initiated by center Robbie Malneek which was goaled by Shanaka Kumara for CR to take an initial lead 7/0.
Both teams were then locked in a stalemate with neither side able to break through the defenses until Havelocks in the 25th minute reduced the lead to 7-5 thanks to an unconverted try by their skipper and flanker Sudharshan Muthuthantri.
CR eventually went to lemons at 10/5 when Shanaka Kumara kicked over a simple penalty making amends for a missed penalty earlier in the game.
After the turnaround CR then went further ahead at 17-5 when their New Zealand centre Robbie Malneek who had a brilliant game touched down off a backline move mid right for Shanaka Kumara to add the extra points.
Havelocks made a late rally midway in the second half and scored a try through scrum half Kavindu de Costa which Dulaj Perera converted making the scores 17-12. However it was too late for Havelocks to close the gap as CR put up a strong defence until referee Priyantha Gunaratne blew his final whistle.
Havelocks for some reason conceded as many 14 penalties but the latter through a more cohesive and technical performance on the day rattled the Park side to register another memorable win in this historic series between these two sides.
Navy demolish Police with 10 tries
Defending champs Navy proved too strong for Police as they won by 64 points (7 goals, 3 tries) to 24 (2 goals, 2 tries) in their inter club League rugby match at Police Park yesterday.
OUT OF MY WAY. A Navy player tries to get past Police defenders. Pic by Amila Gamage