Up Country Lions make debut
Yasaratne GAMAGE
Up Country Lions (UCL) making their debut in division one Dialog
Rugby League registered the first victory when they defeated CH and FC
SC by 42(two goals, five tries and a penalty) to 10 (two tries) at CH
and FC ground yesterday. UCL who lost to Kandy FC (11-26) last week,
made a tremendous come back in to the tournament amidst continuous poor
performance by CH and FC yesterday evening.
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An Up Country Lions’ player tries to advance evading CH
defenders’ resistance. Picture by Ruwan De Silva |
Vishvamiththra Jayasinghe marked the score board for UCL to take the
lead with a try during the first few minutes of the game. Indika
Udayakumara equalized for CH and FC with an unconverted try.
Soon UCL took the lead with Rajitha Sansoni fired across a penalty
from almost 35 metres away from the post. Nadika Hettiarachchi was smart
enough to make a quick movement to touch down for another unconverted
try before the short whistle. Lions led at half time 13-5.
Dilip Selvam broke the CH defense and touched down soon after the
second half started.
Tuan Shamrock’s timely move helped him to bypass UCL’s defense and
touch down for their second try, but missed the extra points. Lions led
18-10.
Samovar Tevita who was seen really quick in the field and scored
under the post after a second face move and Nadika added the extra
points. Lions led 25-10.
Few minutes after Kanchana Perera penatrated CH defense and Sansoni
made no mistake in conversion. Lions led 32-10. Dilip Selvam broke away
from a maul again tactfully to surprise CH and FC players and touched
down for another try. Lions led 37-10.
The tense broke out from both sides and two players were issued red
cards and sent off by referee Nizam Jamaldeen. Earlier Ranga Perera of
UCL and James Times and Tuan Shamrok were shown yellow cards.
Tevita sealed the match with a beautiful try allowing Lions to grab
their first victory without much trouble.
CH and FC so far have pl
ayed three matches and lost all while Lions have won and lost one
game each. UCL will meet Police SC on June 30 while CH and FC will
battle it out with Havelocks SC on July 7. |
