CR in lacklustre 18/8 win over CH

by Ranjan Anandappa

In a match that promised to keep the spectator interest high and expected to be a blockbuster of a match, ended in a disappointing note as CH&FC went down meekly to CR&FC by 8 points (a try and a penalty to 18 points (one goal, a try and two penalties) in a key Caltex league rugger match played at Maitland Crescent yesterday.

The match began in lackadaisical style with both sides finding difficult to find their fluency. CR&FC sprang into the lead with a Mohammed Sherif penalty in the eight minute followed a Ajmad Buksh try which was converted by Shderif. CH&FC?s full back Saliya Kumara tried to reduce the gap off a long distance kick but failed. Minutes later he put over a good 35 meter kick.

CR&FC?s forwards spearheaded by their skipper and flanker Pavithra Fernando gave a fine display.

Anuradha Dharmatileka, Anuranga Walpola, and Sevantha de Saram combined effectively to form a diligent set of forwards.

The Red shirts had the added advantage with the inclusion of former Royal College and Sri Lanka centre Rajith Jayasundera who had come from Australia for a holiday and represented his club , happened to be a vital ?cog? in the CR machine as he played tirelessly in attack and defence for his side.

Jayasundera added more thrust to the three quarters while CR?s half combination of scrum half Ajmad Buksh and flyhalf Asanaga Rodrigo paired off well ,which kept the back division moving.

On the other hand CH&FC?s fly-half Prasad Perera put his three-quarters under terrific pressure with aimless kicking.

The winners scored both their tries in the first half through Buksh and Ravindra Wekedapola.

CH & FC?s try came in the second half by Mathesha de Silva. Today Havelocks will meet Kandy SC at Havelock Park.

Aruna Rankothge refereed.