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| Sunday, 12 May 2002 |
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Sports |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Army
in close 20/16 win over Navy
by LAL GUNESEKERA Army it was finally, 'They had a tough time before beating Navy by 20 points (1 goal, 2 tries, 1 penalty) to 16 (1 goal, 3 penalties) after being led 5-6 at half-time in their first-round Caltex League Rugby Championship game at Galle Face yesterday. Army who were the runners-up last year just failed to get their act together in their opening game. Powered by Dialog for the first occasion, the soldiers lacked power and direction and made far too many mistakes. Fly-half Ajith Pieris was sent into "Sin Bin" in the first session by referee D. Nimal for using his fists. This was Navy's second game having being beaten 6-28 by Havelocks last week. Navy did creditably well to lead not only at half-time, but twice in the second session (9-8 and 16-15). With a three year plan to develop rugby and nearly six players unable to be released from their duties at Trincomalee, the Sailors, did very well and were rather unlucky. Five penalties were kicked astray - four by Sharm Pradeep, who kicked correctly three. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Navy were close to Army's goal-line, but failed to get over. Centre Vajira Jayatilleke scored for Army just before "lemons" after to receiving an inside pass from winger Nawshad, but Silva missed the conversion. The second was by Karunaratne in the 19th minute of the second session which was converted by Silva and the third try by right winger Sithara Fernando after betting the ball over. Silva missed the conversion again. Navy's solitary try was by No. 8 Malwana with Pradeep who put over three penalties in the first session making no mistake with this conversion. Today, Old Zahirians play hosts to CR & FC at Maradana, while the defending champions Kandy Sports Club take on Galle RFC at Nittawela. Both games are scheduled to start at 5.00 p.m. |
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