CR and FC in smashing 45-6 win over Army

Ranjeeva Seneviratne

The reigning President’s Trophy champions CR and FC scored a smashing 45 points (five goals, two tries) to 6 (two penalties) win over Sri Lanka Army in their Caltex ‘A’ Division league rugby match played at Police Park yesterday after leading 33-6 at the breather.

The Red Shirts opened scoring in the 9th minute when centre Mohamed Sheriff scored under the posts off a second phase move. Reza Mubarak converted (CR 7-0). Four minutes later the soldiers reduced the deficit when full back T.A. Silva fired across a 30 metre penalty. In the 17th minute T.A. Silva put over a 35 metre penalty to make it 7-6.

In the 29th minute CR and FC increased their lead when off a second phase move hooker Navin Wijetunge touched down mid right. Mohamed Sheriff added the extra points and CR led 12-6.

Four minutes later off another second phase move in the Army ‘25’ the Red Shirts set their three quarters in motion and winger Ravindra Wekadapola burst through to score by the left corner flag. Reza Mubarak made a splendid conversion (CR 19-6).

Seven minutes later CR number eight Diren Warnakulasuriya picked up a loose ball in Army territory and powered his way for over 30 metres to touch down mid right and Reza Mubarak made no mistake with the conversion and CR led 26-6.

Just before the breather burly Henry Terrance crashed through for a try by the right corner flag. Reza Mubarak made a spectacular conversion to make it 33-6 in favour of CR at ‘lemons.’

The Red Shirts scored two more tries in the second half through lock forward Ashen Karthelis and centre Mohamed Sheriff with Reza Mubarak adding the extra points to Sheriff’s try and CR and FC ran out worthy winners by 45 points to 6.

Referee: D. Nimal