Army launch campaign with impressive 32-12 win

by Chris Dhambarage

Sri Lanka Army Sports Club launched their campaign for the 'A' division title with an impressive 32 points to 12 points win over Sri Lanka Police Sports Club in their Caltex inter club first round rugby match played at Galle Face yesterday.

The more experienced Army SC outfit playing to a set plan collected their points from two goals, three tries and one penalty having led 17-7 at half time. Police SC responded with a goal and a try.

Army SC opened scoring almost with the kick off with their three quarters responding magnificently following a good up an under initiated from mid field. Full back T. A. Silva joined the line with anticipation and fell on the loose ball near the corner flag for a superb try. But Silva missed the difficult conversion.

Army SC went further ahead in the ninth minute after their forwards had successfully entered their opponents territory following a series of sweeping three quarter moves.

But it was the forwards who added the finishing touches with second row forward Jayasuriya charging his their way to touch down with a third phase move. Silva again missed the conversion. Army SC further increased their tally with a another superb three quarter move with winger Lanka doing the honours mid right. Silva made no mistake with the kick and they led 17 nil at half time. Police SC came back into the game shortly before half time with a push over try from flanker Tuan Nizam. Sudesh Dissanayake added the extra points.

Army SC added two more tries to their ally in the second half with a solo effort from flanker Madurawela and M. Duminda who responded with an interception to score under the post. Silva converted the first try and later put over a 35 metre penalty.

Police SC had earlier threatened to stage a comeback with flanker T. D. Herath scoring a good try on the blind side in the 8th minute of the second half. Sudesh Dissanayake missed the conversion.

Referee: Dilroy Fernando.

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CH & FC win

CH and FC beat Air Force by 29 points to 15 in their Caltext inter-club 'A' division rugby tournament match played at Ratmalana yesterday. At halt time the winners led 12-7.