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Royal run out of luck
SACK 14 Royal 13
By Aubrey Kuruppu
Royal involved in a cliff-hanger last Saturday against Kingswood, found themselves in another last evening at Nittawela. This time around however, Lady Luck was not with them as Antonian winger Sumal Wijesiri touched down far right on the stroke of time to give the Antonians a nerve-tingling 14 points (1 try, 2 penalties, 1 drop goal) to 13 (a goal and 2 penalties) win before a packed and vociferous crowd.

Riyal the Antonian fly half, who was one of the heroes, made use of the second penalty within the first five minutes to put the Antonians 3-up. Royal came back strongly when hooker Acver Mansoor wriggled free from a host of defenders to score. Bahudeen converted and Royal led 7-3.

Riyal caught the eye with a well executed drop to edge the Antonians closer. This was the score at half time (7-6). Skipper Imran, the No eight, alternated as centre in the second half and he made quite a few threatning runs. In one such situation, the Royal line was blown up for off side and Riyal slotted it through for the home team to lead 9-7.

The Antonian back division indulged in some lovely open play. They were unfortunate on one occasion when Imran drew his man and passed to the winger, who dropped the ball like a hot potato with the line in front of him.

Bahudeen kicked well a 40 yard penalty for Royal to wrest the lead 10-9 and extended it five minuteslater with another well taken penalty. Almost on the stroke of time Royal were penalised ten metres or so from the line. The short tap was taken and the winger Sumal Wijesiri did the honours.

Fly half Riyal did the basic things well while Imran added sparkle to the line. For Royal Bahudeen stood out with a few good runs, side-stepping his way and brushing away tackle after tackle with his powerful running.

Referee orville Fernando seemed to get it right for most of the match. However, did he err in not spotting that forward pass in those vital last seconds. Under 13 St. Anthony's beat Royal 14-7; Under 15 At. Anthony's beat Royal 10-5 and 2nd XV Royal beat St. Anthony's 14-5.

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