CR & FC lads took new season by storm effecting a resurgent of the Longden place Reds recording a morale boosting 17-12 win over rivals Havelock Sports Club.
The sun was baking down on a green Longden place grounds with the traditional fixture between two rivals CR & FC and Havelock Sports Club to make things hotter. The hosts held their ground for most parts of the match but disciplinary issues nearly cost them the game.
CR & FC were on the board early in the game thanks to some sloppy defence in the last line of defence. A deep kick inside the Havelocks territory was fumbled for bounce and the hosts capitalised on the mistake with some good cover tactics and Kanchana Ramanayake went over to score the first try of the game. Shanaka Kumara continuing his good fortune with the boot easily put over the penalty, 7 nothing Reds in the lead.
The game continued albeit at marginal decline from the expected intensity dotted with constant errors. The visitors got on the board courtesy of an error in the CR line out. A 5 meter line out botched by the Reds saw the looming figure of Shehan “Lema” Pathirana grabbing the ball and the Havelock Park rolling maul did the rest as Captain Sudarshan Muthuthanthri added the formalities of grounding the ball. Dulaj Perera although having an easy angle, from his standards, was unsuccessful and the scores stood at 7-5 hosts remaining ahead.
The second quarter of the game saw the two sides being able to exchange penalties, but only the Reds Shanaka Kumara was successful extending his team’s lead to 10-5. Havies lost a bit of steam due to mild mannered Shehan Pathirana being sent to the cooler by referee Dimitree Fernando, just before the short whistle.
Half time score CR 10 (CR – 1G, 1P) – Havies 5 (1T)
The Reds managed to replicate their first half early scoring habit as they scored early on in the second half as well. It was CR’s tactical player Robbie Malneek who was on the scene to once more capitalise on an opponents error to go over the line. Shanaka Kumara was on the mark as he put over the penalty to take the score line to 17-5. CR were looking comfortable with their defence holding up despite the concerted efforts of a cohesive Havelock side.
Although the visitors were unsuccessful in their pressure to points convertion,they did manage to make their opponents commit to errors. With the errors and the discipline breaking down, CR saw consecutive yellow cards being shown by the referee. During the last quarter of the game the hosts were down to 13 men with both Rajitha Abekoon and Rochana Hettiarachchi both being in the bin.
Havelocks motivated by the numbers advantage turned on the gas and were able to manage a push over try. Dulaj Perera’s conversion was a good one from the right extreme and reduced the deficit to a mere 5 points and one score away. 17-12 CR ahead. Despite the visitors best efforts CR held their fort holding on to possession and keeping the game in the Havies yard as much as possible up until the long whistle sounded to the joy of the Red supporters.
Full time score CR 17 (2G, 1P) – Havies 12 (1G, 1T)
ThePapare man of the match – Kanchana Ramanayake
ThePapare speaking to the CR & FC Coach Inthi Marikkar sharing his thoughts on the game stated that the lads had improved their game from the previous week particularly playing against a more cohesive outfit. Nevertheless he iterated that there yet remains areas to be developed. Additionally the coach stated that the discipline was also a concern..
The game was riddled with the occasional error and both sides will definitely have to improve their games to bring it up to 100% as they will have much stiffer opposition in the form of the heavy weights Kandy Sports Club and Navy Sports Club. The Havelock Park club is clearly missing their forward brigade support who switched clubs. CR on the other hand under their watchful coach is on the path to utilising its resources to best effect.
