Rajans win in style and dump poor Petes
The Peterites were the likely winners before the game, but the Rajans came up with some stirring rugby to put the record straight at Nittawela yesterday.
By half time, they had given every indication that they intended to stay on top by running into a 27-9 lead at lemons.
The Peterites came back in the second half to add fifteen points, but there was no let up from the home team who added eight points of their own. Dharmaraja won by 35 points (2 goals, 3 tries, 2 penalties) to 24 (a goal, a try and 4 penalties).
Small-made fullback Deshapriya was at his brilliant best. He always posed problems for the Petes with his inventive play. Manning the last line of defence — one moment, kicking ahead and running (even playing the role of link-man) was all grist to his will.
The Rajans had two blazing wingers in Piyatissa and Bandara who hared along the touch line like streaks of lightening. On the occasions that the Rajans ran the ball, they looked very exciting.
Stephen Sivaraj, who scored 14 points, was a trier right through. Skipper Diyath Fernando was like the elusive Pimpennel when he had the ball in his hand. Star Centre Theekshana Dissanaike lay low in the first half, but was full of fire and purpose in the second.
Dehapriya slotted over a simple penalty to open proceedings. The home team then produced a stunning move by the back division which ended with a try by fly half Perera.
Siyath Fernando’s brilliant run ended short of the line. However, the Petes won a penalty to get on board (8-3). Offer Sivaraj had made it 8-6, the Rajan backs moved the ball superbly. The move ended with winger Piyatissa scoring the first of his two tries. Deshapriya converted for a 15-6 lead, but a minute or two later Sivaraj made it 15-9 when the ball rolled loose in the Rajan 22, Deshapriya was at hand to pick up and slip a pass to Piyatissa. It was fine athletics as skipper Diyath Ferando sensing danger turned and gave chase. However, the long-legged Piyatissa won the dual. Deshapriya was on target once more (22-9)
Just before lemons, winger Bandara got in on the act when he ran along the touch-line and outpaced the defenders to touch down for an unconverted try.
Sivaraj penalty conversion made it 27-12, but the Petes had a formidable task. There was more to come from the winners, when substitute Wijesiri went over near the left corner flag.
A little chip into touch by Sivaraj, saw a line out being taken close to the line. Lock Mohideen was able to go over far right for Sivaraj to convert (32-19) Mohideen followed up with another try and Deshapriya put over a penalty to make the final tally 35-24.
The Rajans almost beat Royal. They were denied by a last grasp drop kick by Askey. There was no mistake this time, as having got on top early, they made sure they stayed there.
Referee-Irshad Cader.