CR remain unbeaten with a 32-12 win over CH

CR and FC remained undefeated with a fantastic 32-12 victory against their hometown rivals, CH and FC. This happened in the penultimate week of the Nippon Paint League Rugby Tournament Super Round at Race Course yesterday. At halftime, CR and FC were ahead with a score of 14-5.

The Red Shirts scored three goals, one try, and two penalties, totaling 32 points against 12 points by CH & FC who scored a goal and a try. This impressive win earned them a bonus point, bringing their total to 52 points in nine matches. They now lead by four points over the defending champions, Kandy Sports Club, who have 48 points in nine games.Eranga Ariyapala made a dazzling move after a driving maul after a lovely pass from  Shenal Adhikaram. In the 12th minute, he barged through the defenders and scored an easy try. Chathura Seneviratne converted from a tight angle, bringing the score to 7-0.

CR and FC continued their dominance with a second try from Lasindu Ishan Karunathilaka in the 23rd minute. Supported by Shenal Adhikaram in a five-metre line out, Karunathilaka’s brilliant move led to another seven points after Manelka Ruberu converted. The Red Shirts were leading 14-0.However, Senura Perera received a yellow card in the 35th minute and had to sit out for a bit. Dilshan Jayah came in as a replacement. Just before halftime, burly CH hooker Prasath Madushanka secured a crucial try near the left corner flag, reducing the lead to 14-5. Fly half Rohitha Rajapaksa missed the conversion, but the Red Shirts went into halftime with a solid 14-5 advantage.

In the second half , things heated up quickly. Chathura Seneviratne of CR made a good kick from 25 metres away, scoring a penalty and boosting their lead to 17-5 in the 42nd minute.CH and FC tried to catch up in the 45th minute when Nirosh Perera dived over the goal line and scored a try. Malisha Perera, added the extra points, bringing the score to 17-12 in favour of CR and FC.Chathura Seneviratne extended the lead further with another penalty kick from 35 meters, making it 20-12 in the 49th minute. CR and FC’s Number Eight, Lasindu Karunathilka, bulldozed through for a try by the left corner in the 63rd minute, with Manilka Ruberu converting it to bring the score to 27-12.

Lasindu Ishan Karunathilaka secured a crucial bonus point for CR and FC with his hat-trick of tries, touching down at the left corner in the 70th minute. Although the conversion was missed, CR and FC led 32-12.CR and FC, maintaining their cool throughout the game, remained at the top of the points table with this victory. Lasindu Karunathilake from CR and FC was adjudged the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring three tries.Ravin Alexander refereed.

( Source : Daily News)