The Outstations Origins dominated the Colombo Origins, defeating the latter 24-12 at Havelock Park in the charity game — for rugby legend Chandrishan Perera ‘Shan’ — and trial encounter.
Packed with the best of the best, both teams took to the paddock following a heartwarming gesture by Sri Lanka Rugby to recognize legend ‘Shan’ for his yeoman service for Rugby in the Island.
The Outstation ‘Reds’ dominated from the onset, with the likes of Samuel Maduwantha, Kavindu Perera, Reeza Rafaideen and Thilina Wijesinghe in their three-quarter line as the Colombo ‘Blues’ found it difficult to get their mojo.
Kandy fullback Wijesinghe was the key instigator in the first try as the former Dharmaraja man created an opening for CR winger Reeza Raffaideen to dive over in the corner. Wijesinghe failed to add the extras from the far touchline following his intervention. (Blues 00-05 Reds)
The Colombo Origins were under tremendous pressure from the Outstation Origins players as nothing went the way of the Blues.
With plenty at stake, the carries, hits and tackles were at its premium as bodies were thrown all around the field.
Colombo pressed after the initial surge from the Outstation lads, however, unforced errors forced them back time and time again.
In-form, Dinuk Amarasinghe sparked a scintillating break following Player of the Match & lock forward Thilina Bandara’s superior work at the breakdown. Amarasinghe straightened the line, offloading to Kavindu Perera as the CR captain was clean through headed towards the whitewash.
Perera was chased down in uncharacteristic fashion by Navy winger Buddima Piyarathne, however, Roshan Weerarathne was at hand to grab the offload from the deck to dot down for the Reds second of the game. Maduwantha assumed kicking duties, making no mistake to extend the Outstation Origins lead. (Blues 00-12 Reds)
The Blues continued their push, but failed to find momentum as the Reds kept their foot on the gas. Kavindu Perera went from provider to scorer, this time as the Outstation lads stole a Colombo lineout ball, working the line, leaving the depleted Blues defenders in no-man’s land, as the CR captain dived over on the stroke of half time.
Thillina Wijesinghe reassumed kicking duties, knocking over a much closer conversion to help take a commanding lead into half time.
Half Time: Colombo Origin 00 trail Outstation Origin 19 (3T 2C)
With a point to prove in the second half, the Blues entered and did just that with their first try of the game through Prasanth Madusanka, following a halftime felicitation of legend Shan.
The CH hooker found himself at the tale of a driving maul, crashing over cutting the deficit. Riza Mubarak, in sublime form with the boot, made no mistake from the far touchline. (Blues 07-19 Reds)
The Reds regrouped, striking back soon after through Parakrama Rathnayake to restore a 17-point cushion. In similar fashion to Madushanka’s try, Rathnayake crashed over from the back of a rolling maul to get the Reds 4th try of the game. Nuwan Perera failed with the extras as Wijesinghe and Maduwantha were both substituted for a well-earned rest. (Blues 07-24 Reds)
The string in the hits, tackles and carries continued as both sets of players displayed their intentions of wearing their National colors.
Niwanka Prasad continued his outstanding season, however, was stretchered off in unfortunate fashion, leaving his hopes of National colors hanging by a thread.
Following a long halt, the game resumed to a final try from Sachith Silva. The Police winger chased a chip kick from Lasindu Ishan, only for the bounce to beat Nuwan Perera, handing their second on a plate for the Colombo Blues.
The game was brought to an end following the try with both sets of players having played their heart out with hopes of representing their country.
Full Time: Outstation Origin 24 (4T 2C) beat Colombo Origin 12 (2T 1C)
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Thilina Bandara (Reds Lock Forward)
Points Break down:
Outstation Origin: Reeza Raffaideen 1T, Roshan Weerarathne 1T, Kavindu Perera 1T, Parakkrama Rathnayake 1T, Samuel Maduwantha 1C, Thilina Wijesinghe 1C
Colombo Origin: Prasanth Madushanka 1T, Riza Mubarak 1C, Sachith Silva 1T
