CR make short work of hapless CH
Anuradha Herath races to post his second try of the game - Pic by Amila Gamage
What would have been a thrilling encounter some years back turned out to be a lopsided clash as CR and FC went on to record a thumping 62-3 win against traditional rivals CH and FC in their second round match of the Dialog Division ‘A’ Inter-Club Rugby League Championship at Longdon Place yesterday.
The winners led the halftime by 24-0 and scored from 10 tries and six conversions while CH saved the humiliation from a scoreless end through a drop goal. The margin was better from CH’s point of view from the first round game where CR won by 83-13 but there was hardly any evidence that both teams had a good game. The beginning was groundbreaking, with CR throwing out their fullest potential with a second string starting lineup, but unforced errors as the game progressed, slowed down their campaign. CR claimed their first points within a few minutes of start but had to wait for a while before adding up more to their tally. Eventually the hosts pulled up their socks to score four tries and two conversions before taking lemons.
CH were gritty but the lack of exposure was clearly evident in their players, despite having quite a few known names in their lineup. Nevertheless they exposed themselves with constant mishaps and failed to capitalise on the advantages and mistakes committed by their opponent. CR were not that impressive as they should have been but resting many of their key players opened opportunities for the fresh legs to dish out their potential, playing the full game.
The hosts scored easily yet at times had to make innovative moves to create scoring opportunities. Back division players Waruna Kalansuriya and Charana Sendanayake touched down twice while scrumhalf Avishka Heenpella, prop Shameer Fajudeen, centre Rehan Silva, flanker Taariq Saleh, scrumhalf Kavindu de Costa and centre Anuradha Herath scored a try each. Fullback Riza Mubarak put over six out of ten tries that were posted by CR. With many attempts of scoring a try not materialising, No.8 Rohitha Rajapaksa appropriately fired a drop goal to give CH’s only three points but it occurred after CR had passed the 50-point mark.
Irshad Cader refereed. Â Â