16th June 1996

CH score a resounding victory

By Marlon Fernandopulle

CH & FC gave an improved performance to score a resounding 25 points (2 goals, 01 try, 2 penalties) to 14 (1 try & 3 penalties) victory over Police SC in a Carlsberg 'A' Division League game played at Police Park yesterday.

It was a good alround effort by CH & FC that earned them their 5th victory in the League. Their forwards out shone their opponents, while their back division stood firm in defense and also ran the ball intelligently to have the Cop's under pressure.

Skipper Chanka Jayaweera played a grand game converting two tries putting over two difficult conversions. He opened scoring with a 40 metre penalty in the 10th minute of play. Police responded with Nizam Jamaldeen putting over two penalties within the next ten minutes for the Cops to take the lead 6/3.

CH & FC regained the lead when centre Kaisara Toupe touched down from a three quarter move. Jayaweera failed with the conversion and CH & FC went into Lemons leading 8-6.

The home side was once again guilty of indulging in rough play when refree Sanjeewa Saranapala quite rightly warned a couple of players and also sent Kelum Gunaratne to the sin bin.

After the turnaround Police scrum half Kelum Siriwardene broke loose from a line-out in CH territory, and scored for the Cops to take a 11/8 lead. However the lead was short-lived when CH & FC's Nazim Mohamed collected a ball from his centre, swithched directions, and breached the Police defense lines before slinging the ball to winger Jude Pillai, to score. Jayaweera added the extra points and CH led 15/11.

CH & FC kept up the attack with their forwards making inroads to Police terrtory. Centres Taniela Taniela and Graham Raux with winger Jude Pillai were threatening with their daring runs that kept the Cops guessing.

CH & FC put the issue beyond doubt in the 70th minute when fly half Roshan Nilantha kicked a ball in Police territory, and charged to score. Jayaweera made a difficult conversion as CH & FC registered a deserving 25 point to 14 victory.