The second round of Dialog Rugby League 2014/15 kicked of today between CR&FC and the Army SC, where the visiting Soldiers took the revenge after losing to CR in the first round. CR 18 (T2, C1, P2) – Army 21 (T2, C1, P3)
The kick- off time for the second round changes to 4.30pm. Arun Kumar holding on to the ball in the 5th minute gave Army the chance to open the score from the boots of Gayan Salinda with a 30m penalty. CR went to the opposite 22m for the first time after 15 minutes of play. After few phases Rahul De Silva chose to pass blindside to the waiting Ashan De Costa who then made a lovely inside pass to the prop Shane Sammandaperum to score down. Nalin Kumara missed the conversion. (CR 05 – 03 Army)
Former team mates Kanchana Ramanayaka and Sashan Mohamed were having a bit of romance near the line out with some disagreement over the ball going to touch. Also skipper Costa’s high kick saw full-back Gayan Salinda making poor judgment in receiving as he was the calling mark outside the 22m. Despite the error Salinda went on to have a brilliant game.
CR was once again on the attack with the Soldiers giving a penalty which was quickly taken by CR and as a result Nalin Kumara made no mistake to tick the lead. CR’s Sasanth Ariyarathna holding on to the ball had Salinda making no mistakes to close the deficit. Once again the ball went to touch and Sashan Mohamed trying to make a quick throw, this time Nalin Kumara did not release the ball and referee Dinka Peiris awarded a penalty against Kumara. Sashan took a quick tap and sent the ball out wide as a result Kavindu Perera scored the first try for the visitors. Salinda made not mistake with the extras. (CR 08 – 13 Army)
CR had a penalty but Kumara failed as the ball nearly graced the uprights. Army making a restart in 22m was a big one and almost reached the CR 5m mark, unfortunately they could not capitalize the position. CR counter attacked and came storming in to the opposite territory and Billy Rophia squeezed in for the try. Kumara converted. (CR 15 – 13 Army)
Half Time : CR 15 (T2, C1, P1) – Army 13 (T1, C1, P2)
Costa’s restart did not reach 10m but managed to recover as Army was penalized for an off side, Kumara succeeded at the goal. CR then brought on a tactical change with Rahul going off and Dilan Zoysa replacing him, this did not go well for the hosts. They also had Malneek coming in for the try scorer Billy. (CR 18 – 13 Army)
Pio Tuwai the big Fijian who came as a replacement was showing some 7s skills. A little grubber kick which hit Costa’s foot gained CR a hefty 50m with some soccer skills by the Reds. Chances went a begging twice in the 22m for the host as Army defended well. Banuka Nanayakkara Army center was yellow carded for an off side – it looked a bit harsh by the referee however, he gave the same offence on Ishan Noor in the opposite team soon after. Noor’s off side caused three points for the reds as Salinda made no mistake with the kick. (CR 18 – 16 Army)
Mohamed Akram lock forward who came in for Randika Alwis made a try with his first touch for the soldiers. With four minutes remaining CR had a kickable penalty skipper Costa decided to go for the touch instead, the decision was clear they did not wanted to tie but the lineout was in vain for the hosts. Realization may have hit after the final whistle that a draw is better than a losing bonus point. However, it was a brilliant fight by Army as they organized well after the defeat in the first round with 15 – 21.
Full Time : CR 18 (T2, C1, P2) – Army 13 (T2, C1, P3)
ThePapare Player of the match – Sashan Mohamed (Army) / Gayan Salinda (Army)
