Anand kicks Navy to stunning win

Chris Dhambarage

Dynamic fly half Dev Anand came out with an outstanding performance to help the Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club pull off a tantalizing 14 points to 13 victory over the reigning champions Kandy Sports Club in a high profile Caltex inter club ‘A’ division league rugby tournament match worked off at Welisara yesterday.

The sailors collected their points from one try, one penalty and two drop goals after having led 11-8 at half time. Kandy SC responded with two unconverted tries and one penalty.

This was in fact a repeat of last year’s encounter where Navy SC snatched a historic 12-11 victory at the same venue after having lost the first round match 0-33 at the Nittawela Stadium.

Navy SC rallied around through the golden boot of Dev Anand who was in excellent form where he put over two superb drop goals under tremendous pressure and also fired across a penalty to seal the game in their favour.

Navy SC went into the last ten minutes of play at the backdrop of some uncertainty and trailing 11-13 having just conceded the second try to their opponents.

In fact Kandy SC looked like they had sealed the game at this stage when Mohamed Jabbar had produced a clever piece of work to side step a couple of defenders before falling over near the corner flag. This try of course was initiated from mid field with Pradeep Liyanage providing the link after Senaka Bandara had retained possession following a scrummage.

Jabbar who came into the scene mid way in the game then powered his way to add the finishing touches quite beautifully. Saliya Kumara however fumbled with the conversion for the second time but more importantly Kandy SC took the lead which gave them a psychological advantage.

Navy SC then regrouped and decided to counter attack during the last few minutes of the game which turned out to be quite fruitful at the end.

It was at this moment that Dev Anand held his nerves and put over his second drop goal of the match to put Navy SC in front 14-13.

Navy SC’s indications were quite clear and their main goal was to retain possession with Dav Anand repeatedly attempting two drop goals unsuccessfully.

Kandy SC also had their share of chances with a crucial penalty going astray.

In the first half Navy SC took the initiative with Dav Anand converting a 25 metre penalty successfully.

However Kandy SC struck back with a vengeance with winger Gayan Weeraratne charging in to score near the corner flag in the 12th minute.

Saliya Kumara missed the conversion but ten minutes later he was on target with a 25 metre penalty and Kandy SC led 8-3 at that stage.

Then came the finest moment and probably the best try of the game where winger Chula Susantha picked up a superb cross kick to collect the ball and dash over near the corner flag.

Hettiarachchi failed to add the extra points but Navy SC had level the scores 8 all in the 25th minute.

Two minutes later Dev Anand got his act together well and put over his first drop goal to give the home side a close 11-8 lead at half time.

Referee: A. Rankothge