The fourth week of the Dialog Rugby is on and the match between Air Force and Army took place at the Air Force grounds in Ratmalana this evening. Army led the half time 26 – 00.
The spirited airmen won the second half in wet conditions with a brave effort but the visitors sealed victory at the final whistle with 33 (5T, 4C) – 10 (2T)
Perfect whether prior to the kick off but it was uncertain when the rain will fall and Army had the game under control until the lemons. Few of the Army players were rested namely Pio Tuwai the big No 8, Chula Susantha, Rizvi Mohamed (injured) and Prince Chamara .
Fijian utility back Sanivalati Ramuwai’s pace and power was unstoppable on the field for the hosts as he took on four defenders. He manage to off load it to Sahsan Mohamed in the wing who scored the first try for the Soldiers. Thisila Karunathilaka made the conversion. (Army 07 – 00 Air force) It did not take too long for Ramuwai to breakaway in the open play run 40m being charged by a few defenders. This time he passed to Isuru Kodithuwakku who had a try under his name. Karunathilaka added the extras. (Army 14 – 00 Air Force).
Almost by the first quarter of play the host infringed by closing the gap in the lineout as a result the 35m penalty kick was taken but it went out wide of the uprights from Karunathilaka’s boots. Army also had a chance after a turn over in the scrum 5m away from the try line which they ended-up knocking on. Nevertheless, both teams made sloppy handling errors in the second quarter of the match. It was not Andrew Benson’s day as he found not his usual rhythm as scrum half for the Soldiers. Also his hospital pass was well recovered by skipper Rajapaksa where he made a 35m territorial kick. (Army 14 – 00 Air force)
Ramuwai decided this time he will not pass to anyone and he made a sparkling break with a 55m run to score the third try for Army. There was only one good performance in the first half and it was Ramuwai, again fending off four defenders and said he is not selfish where he could have scored instead he passed to Sashan Mohamed to score his second try. Karunathilaka made the third but missed the fourth conversion with a different angle. (Army 26 – 00 Air Force)
Just before the half time airmen had a chance to get some points on the board with army playing off side. Young Chathura Gomes made an error with an easy 22m kick which was up his alley. .
Half Time Army (4T, 3C) 26– 00 Air Force
The hosts made the first threat in the opposite territory with Prasad Malinda coming in as scrum half from the bench and working the ball with great understanding between Ishara Madushan and Gomes where Airforce pinched in to 5m line. The chance however went a begging with a knock on.
The rain finally arrived by the 50th minute and both teams made a mess handl ing the wet ball. Continuous knock ons slowed up the game also line outs did not go straight for either team. By the 60th minute Air force not releasing the ball gave another chance for Karunathilaka to kick at goal but he missed it.
In the final quarter of play the host recharged their mentality and galvanized the home supporters with some good running rugby. Army had around 80% territory throughout the game they almost scored the fifth try but the ball came lose in the try line and acting skipper Charith Senevirathna stole it and made a breathtaking 100m run to score in the left corner. Gomez missed the conversion (Army 26 – 05 Air force)
Rain became heavier and it got too dark but Army maintained their attacking tempo and once again they came in a flash with replacement Tevita Taufui breaking from the middle from Asitha Wijesigha’s pass from the centre line. The soldiers held their nerve to play in few phases in the 22m line. Finally Randika Alwis got the ball and scored the final try for the visitors which was converted by Karunathilaka. (Army 33 – 05 Air Force)
Prasad Malinda from the 22m line made a superb break in a ruck and ran 35m but the airmen did not have enough support, but managed to win the ball position after the visitors made another knock on. As a result with the attacking scrum for the hosts, Sanjeewa Patabadige scored the consolation try. As Gomez missed the conversion referee Aruna Rankothge blew the final whistle.
Full Time: Army (5T, 4C) 33 – 10 (2T) Air Force
The Papare Player of the Match – 1st half Sanivalati Ramuwai’s (Army) 2nd half Prasad Malinda (AirForce)
Teams
ARMY – Lahiru Pavithra, Jayalal Asoka, Yohan Keyzer, Randika Alwis, Nishantha Kobbegaduwa, Upul Abeyrathne, Thisila Karunathilaka, Samuella Saquewa, Andre Benson, Rohitha Rajapaksa (C), Sashan Mohamed, Imanka Ariyapala, Isuru Kodithuwakku, Kavindu Perera, Sanivalati Ramuwai
Replacements – Rasika Abeynayaka, Aravinda Karunarathne, Manoj Silva, Tevita Taufui, Asitha Wijesinghe, Rehan Weerakoon, Asela Wijesinghe, Epi Cokanasiga
AIR FORCE – Danuka Madagedera, Sampath Wickramasinghe, Amal Dasanayaka, Pushpakumara, Ranil Madagedera, Isuru Jayarathna, Dinesh Weerarathna, Lahiru Udayanga, Nadeesh Perera, Ishara Madushan, Amila Bandara, Charith Sevevirathna (C), Pradeep Kurukulasooriya, Chathura Gomez, Suranga Arunashantha
Replacements – Saumya Silva, Pandula Bandara, Parakrama Rathnayaka, Sanjeewa Patabadige, Gayan Anuradha, Prasad Malinda, Lahiru Weerasinghe, Soorya Krishan
