Red Shirts sink Navy
Defending champions CR&FC delivered a ruthless performance under floodlights to overpower Navy SC 38-15 in their MasterCard Club Rugby League 2024 Week 3 match at Longden Place last evening. Leading 21-3 at halftime, the Red Shirts maintained their dominance to secure their second consecutive victory and remain unbeaten in the tournament.
CR&FC showcased their strength early, with scrum-half Viduna Amaneth crossing the tryline in the sixth minute after a skillful pass from Adeesha Weeratunga. Fullback Mursheed Doray’s precise conversion gave the home side a 7-0 lead. Navy responded with a penalty kick from fullback Thilina Weerasinghe in the 12th minute, narrowing the gap to 7-3.
However, CR’s powerful No.8 Omalka Gunaratne stole the spotlight with two tries, one in the 19th minute and another in the 37th minute. Doray converted both, extending the lead to 21-3 at the break.
The second half saw CR secure their bonus point try in the 47th minute, courtesy of Weeratunga. Navy’s flanker Denuwan Wickramarachchi offered a brief spark for the visitors, scoring their first try in the 56th minute. Despite this effort, CR continued their dominance. Amaneth completed his brace in the 61st minute, and Thenuka Nanayakkara added another unconverted try in the 77th minute, increasing the tally to 38-8.
In the dying moments, Navy salvaged some pride as veteran fullback Weerasinghe scored and converted his own try, making the final score 38-15. CR’s efficient attack, led by Gunaratne and Amaneth, and Doray’s clinical kicking, sealed a resounding win, highlighting their title defence ambitions.