Navy storm into semi-final with 32-22 win over Army

Dilanka Mannakkara

Navy Sports Club stormed in to the semi-finals of the Clifford Cup with a superb win over Sri Lanka Army by 32 points to 22. The match which was played at the CR grounds in slightly overcast conditions proved to be a thrilling encounter and the mammoth crowd gathered witnessed a stunning display of fast open rugby especially from Navy.

The Sailors scored their points through 2 tries, 1 goal, 2 drop goals and 3 penalties while Army scored through 1 try, 2 goals and 1 penalty.

Army opened the scoring just after the kick off with a beautiful inside pass from Fly Half Upul Kumara to winger Saliya Handapangoda who scored near the corner flag. Knowlton missed the conversion and the score stood as 05 -00 favoring Army. A few minutes later Navy was awarded a penalty and Fly Half Dev Anand who had a wonderful game with his boot hit a booming kick which was successful and the scoreline was 05–03.

In the 15 minutes of play Navy used their superior back division to great effect and outside Winger Samantha Lakshan dashed through the Army defense and scored on the blind side but Anand missed the conversion. The score stood at 08-05 favoring Navy.

In the 21st minute of play Dev Anand made a 25 meter drop goal and after a few minutes Anand was again in action with a successful penalty kick.(Navy 14-05). Army was awarded a penalty and Knowlton was successful and the score read 14-08.

Then came probably the best moments for Navy as Centre Dilip Methruwan scored two scintillating tries within two minutes making the Army back division mere spectators with Dev Anand converting one try. At Lemons the score stood at 26-08 favoring Navy.

Just after Half time Navy were awarded another penalty for infringement and Dev Anand was yet again successful with his accurate kick and Navy moved froward in the scoreline 29-08. Army bounced back immediately with a workman like try of a second phase move which was scored by Centre Asanka Perera.

In the 67th minute play maker Dev Anand showed that he is one of the best kickers around the circuit with a peach of a drop goal from 40 meters out and the score moved on to 32-15. Thereafter Army dominated the game and was flirting in Navy’s territory but poor ball handling skills cost them at least two tries. In the dying stages of the game Army scored a consolation try through Hooker Asoka Jayalal and it was converted by Asanka Perera.

Referee D. Nimal blew the whistle and the final score stood at 32-22.

Navy will meet CR and FC in the Semi Final on July 24 at the Royal College Sports Complex.