Grants retain title
View(s):Grants Advertising retained the Inter Advertising Agency Tag Rugby Challenge 2016, Presented by Accredited Advertising Agencies Association (The Four A’s) with a thrilling 2/1 win in extra time over Media Factory in the Final, under floodlights at the Havelocks SC grounds recently.The defending Champions Grants, led by Sathiya Premaratne was stretched to the limit by Shift Integrated (1/0) in the quarter-finals and by Group ‘M’ Media (2/1) in the semi-finals; they were even held to a draw by Triad (2/2) in the league stage.
Media Factory led by Viraj Cooray, too had to fight their way through, as they were given a torrid time by Triad (2/1 in extra time) in the quarter-finals and by the 2015 runners up , Leo Burnett (2/1) in the semi-finals;In the play off for the 3rd place, Group ‘M’ Media beat Leo Burnett 2/1.
In the final, Media Factory drew first blood when their Captain, Viraj Peiris scored his 6th try in the tournament; Grants Captain, Premaratne rolled over to equalise; the scores stood, 1-1 at full time; the game went into extra time, the teams facing a sudden death situation; the very nippy, Zubair Hussan with a solo move scored the winning try for Grants (2/1)
Media Factory Captain, Viraj Peiris was adjudged the Man of the Tournament.
The 2nd edition of the tournament saw 12 teams, playing in 4 groups, consisting 20 matches.
The awards were presented by Sharon Jayawardena the President of the Four A’s; Co-Chairs of the Organising Committee, Selonica Nalawansa and Peter Solomon and the Secretary, Allen Lopez.
The tournament was Co-ordinated by Julianne Fernando and Marshaled by Achala Ramanayake both from Grants Advertizing.  - LR