CH obviously superior
CH wing forward Sudarshana Muthuthanthri attempts to barge through the CR defence - Pic by Priyantha Wickramarachchi
Beaten by Police by 3 points last week, CR’s horror run continued when they were hopelessly outclassed by a fiery CH side that applied unrelenting pressure. The scoreline (33-10) tells the tale of near – complete dominance.
The CH won with a bonus point. They scored their points through two second half goals, two tries in the first half and three penalties. CR’s tries scored by Reza Rafaideen and Rehan Silva were not converted by Tarinda Ratwatte, who had a day that’s best forgotten. Late in the second half, he gave out a terrible pass, under pressure, and this was seized on by Nishon Perera, who caught the ball and dashed through for a try.
Even Samuel Maduwantha had a bad day with the boot, although he was successful with two conversions and three penalties.
Australian born Adam Gauder made an impressive appearance. He didn’t get on the score-sheet, but there was danger in the air almost every time he touched the ball. He made a try with a beautiful back handed flick to Anuradha Herath who dashed along the wing to do the needful.
Maduwantha was over ambitious when he attempted a 50 yard penalty early on. The kick didn’t have ‘the legs’, with the ball dipping under the cross-bar.
Ratwatte had one brilliant move, but all to no avail. He made a gentle chip, collected himself and then sent it out to Rafaideen who finished off in style. But to the chagrin of all CR supporters, Referee Aquib Jamaldeen called the players back on account of a forward pass,
CH&FC skipper Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who is sitting out for the second consecutive week under medical instructions, is seen motivating his team mates during the halftime break against the game against CR&FC played at the Racecourse ground yesterday
Kevin Dixon broke the ice by initiating a dandy try. Breaking through in the middle he handed it over to Ratwatte who in turn gave it to Rafaideen. The winger ran round the last two defenders to touch down deep left.
After Maduwantha had booted over a penalty CH went ahead when Nivanka Prasad crept through off a five yard scrum. This conversion too was missed but Maduwantha compensated by putting over a penalty for a half time lead of 16-5.
Maduwantha converted the try that was scored as a result of that bad CR lapse. Anuradha Herath scored the last try for the winners with a typical run along the touchline. This, too, was added to, a Maduwantha penalty sealed CR’s fate (33-10).
The CR had a poor second half. Under pressure, they were not very professional. Passes were missed and confusion seemed to reign.
By contrast, the CH ran the ball well and also made sure that they ran straight and, at speed point. This was a refreshing performance by the CH who have, up to now, enjoyed only modest success.