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Royal scrape through
By Shamseer Jaleel
Royal piped St. Joseph’s at the post to coast home by a mere one digit in an important game for both sides just to survive in the Singer League “A” division at the Royal Complex yesterday. Royal won at last dashing the Josephian hopes by 14 points (2 goals) to 13 (1goal, 2 penalties).

At the short breather the winners led 7-6.
The exchanges were even with some superb display of teak tough midfield defense and attack flair. Royal taking the field without skipper Varun Wijewardena looked unsettled in the initial stages of the game. Josephians playing with lot of venom moved their three quarters at every given opportunity but lacked the most important ingredient -- the finishing touch. Meanwhile Royal were slow and rugged in the first 20 minutes of the game.
Joes drew first blood in the 8th minute of the game through a 25 meter penalty by fly half Dilshan Perera. With the game played at lightning speed by the three quarters of both sides, the temper too did go out of control as both number 8’s were sent to sin bin by referee Orville Fernando.
Joes extended their lead through in the 16th minute through a simple penalty courtesy of Dilshan Perera again.

Then it was the turn of Royal to take the initiative. They came back roaring with a fine three quarter move ending with a spectacular try by winger Ishara Perera. With Shammika Sandaruwan converting, Royal went up 7-6 at “Lemons”.

Joes playing attacking rugby looked dangerous and split the Royal defense on a number of occasions but failed to convert them into points. It was skipper Ishan Perera who gave the Joes the glimmer of hope by scoring a fine try when he pounced on a loose ball. With Dilshan Perera on target to Joes went ahead once again at 13-7.

Royal came back soon afterwards In the 16th minute of the second half with prop Manil Abeyeratne barging over for a try off a forwards rush. Shammika Sandaruwan was on target again and Royal home as happy winners at 14-13 and keep live their hopes of staying in the “A” division with their maiden win for the season.

Referee Orville Fernando
Royal won the Under 18 game by 36-0.

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