CH in morale-boosting 38-5 win
Ranjeeva SENEVIRATNE
CH and FC, after suffering four successive defeats, scored a morale
boosting 38 points (four goals, two tries) to 5 (one try) win over Sri
Lanka Air Force in their Caltex ‘A’ Division League rugby match played
at Maitland Crescent yesterday after leading 17-5 at the breather.
The soggy ground conditions and a wet ball resulted in the game
turning out to be a forwards battle and the CH ‘eight’ revelled in the
loose. No. 8 Dilanka Wijesekera was a source of inspiration to his
team-mates with his fiery loose play. He was ably supported by Dinesh
Sanjeewa, Bilal Hassen, Sathya Ranatunge, Sandun Kumara, Achala Perera
and Jayantha Ranaweera who gave of their best to outplay their
counterparts.
The lads from Maitland Crescent surged into the lead in the 4th
minute when off a five metre scrum winger Mithum Perera fell over for an
unconverted try by the right corner flag. Five minutes later CH’s Bilal
Hassen broke away from a maul and powered his way to touch down under
the posts.
Senthil Kumar added the extra points to make it 12-0. In the 17th
minute off a second phase move CH winger Heshan Guneratne scored by the
left corner flag. Senthil Kumar missed the conversion and CH led 17-0.
Seven minutes before the breather Air Force won a 10-metre line out
and lock forward Pradeep Kurukulasuriya broke away to fall over for an
unconverted try by the left corner flag and at ‘lemons’ CH led 17-5. In
the 4th minute after resumption CH increased their lead when centre
Avantha Hettiarachchi crashed through for a try mid right.
Senthil Kumar added the extra points to make it 24-5.
In the 15th minute of the second half CH winger Heshan Guneratne
booted a loose ball and picked it up and scored by the left corner flag.
Senthil Kumar made a spectacular conversion (CH 31-5).
Five minutes later CH won a scrum in the Air Force ‘25’ and set their
three quarters in motion and centre Avantha hettiarachchi scored mid
right. Senthil Kumar converted and CH ran out worthy winners by 38
points to 5.
Referee; D. Nimal
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