CR & FC defeated Air Force SC thanks to an impressive second half performance, after trailing by 12 points by the end of the first half at Ratmalana. The boys from Longdon Place ultimately managed to win the game by a comfortable 10 point margin at the end of play this evening.
The game was kick started by Ishara Madushan for the Airmen in what appeared to be overcast weather conditions down at Ratmalana. The CR defense was put under immense pressure by the Air Force forwards in the first ten minutes of play. Air Force hooker Parakkrama Rathnayake managed to draw first blood for the home team in the 12th minute but Ishara Madushan failed to add in the extra two points. (Air Force 05 – 00 CR)
A few minutes later Raduva Kausoo went over the try line for the Airmen as Ishara Madushan made no mistake and bisected the posts off a tight angle this time. (Air Force 12 – 00 CR)
CR recorded their first points of the game off a beautiful run by center Gemunu Chethiya in the far side. Tarinda Ratwatte did the honors with the extras, from a very tough angle. (Air Force 12 – 07 CR)
Photo Album – Air Force SC vs CR & FC – Dialog Rugby League 2018/19 | #Match 53
In the dying minutes of the first half prop forward Charles Praveen managed to go over the white line off the ruck for the home team with the help of his teammates, pretty much summing up the first half’s play. Ishara Madushan once again added the extra two points for the hosts prior to lemons. (Air Force 19 – 07 CR)
Half Time – Air Force SC 19 (3T, 2C) – 07 (1T, 1C) CR & FC
CR appeared to be on top of their game as the second half began as Tarinda Ratwatte managed to secure three points for the visitors off a successful penalty conversion. (Air Force 19 – 10 CR)
Gayan Jayasekara accounted for five more points for the boys from Longdon Place but Tarinda Ratwatte unfortunately failed to bisect the posts this time around. (Air Force 19 – 15 CR)
CR’s swift footed Gemunu Chethiya went over for his 2nd try of the game and Tarinda Ratwatte didn’t miss out on the conversion this time as CR managed to gain a lead for the first time in the game. (Air Force 19 – 22 CR)
CR hooker Sven Muller then scored the bonus point try for the men in red in the 74th minute as Tarinda Ratwatte added in the extra points off a conversion against a strong breeze in Ratmalana as CR soared to a 10-point lead. (Air Force 19 – 29 CR)
Towards the latter part of the game, Nalin Kumara, coming off the bench managed to score another try for the visitors, fending off a couple of opponents on the far side. Tarinda Ratwatte was once again spot on with the kick for extras. (Air Force 19 – 36 CR)
The Airmen had something to cheer for in the second half as Parakkrama Rathnayake managed to score a try which was converted by Nuwan Perera before referee Ishanka Abeykoon blew the final whistle. (Air Force 26 – 36 CR)
Full Time – Air Force SC 26 (4T,3C) – 36 (5T,4C,1P) CR & FC
- ThePapare.com’s Player of the Match – Gemunu Chethiya (CR & FC)
- Referee – Ishanka Abeykoon
Breakdown
Air Force SC:
Tries from Parakkrama Rathnayake (2), Charles Praveen, and Raduva Kausoo
Conversions from (2) by Ishara Madushan, and (1) by Nuwan PereraCR & FC:
Tries from Gemunu Chethiya (2), Gayan Jayasekara, Sven Muller, and Nalin Kumara
Conversions (4) by Tarinda Ratwatte
Penalties (1) by Tarinda Ratwatte
