Up Country Lions edge out Army 21-17

by Hafiz Marikar

Army Sports Club gave a gutty display against Up-Country Lions Sports Club in their second round league game played at Jayatilleke Stadium, Nawalapitiya last evening in front of an appreciating crowd losing by 17 points (two goals, one penalty) to 21 (one goal, one try, three penalties).

Even through Army lost, they matched beefy bigger counterparts with some superb defensive play.

They gave a good display of rugby. If not for their knock on's they had all the chances of pocketing the game in their favour.

The tackling by the Soldiers were terrific which shook the advancing winners and brought them to a grinding halt, if was sheer luck which helped the 'Lions' to pull this game in their favour.

The heavy Army forwards used their weight and height to win a major share of the ball, mostly from the rucks and mauls, they powered their way over the winners. Lions who had good ball coming their way were seen indulging in too many tactics to breach the losers' defence.

Dinka Peiris refereed.