A gritty performance by CH&FC proved not enough against Army SC and the Soldiers beat the win-less CH&FC 43 points to 8 in the Dialog Rugby League 2016/17 at Biyagama.
7 tries against 1 is not an unusual sight for CH&FC these days as they succumb to yet another embarrassing defeat this season. This time it was the soldiers who were lethal at their home grounds. When these two met in the first leg it was an even battle even though Army became victorious. However, after that performance in the first leg, CH&FC haven’t been able to pose any threat to any other team.
Visitors kicked off proceedings with a new face in their ranks. Yoshitha Rajapaksha finally making an appearance in the league alongside his brother Rohitha Rajapaksha. The first few minutes both teams looked good but with time CH&FC went back to their usual lackluster rugby. Army drew first blood in the 7th minute with Nalaka Maduranga going over the line after Sampath Rosa broke through from the half line. (Army SC 5 – CH&FC 0)
Ten minutes later Army added 7 points with a converted try by Manoj Bandara who walked over the line with ease. Army played quick rugby and CH&FC were catching up throughout the match. CH&FC bounced back with an easy penalty by Rohitha Rajapaksha in the 24th minute. (Army SC 12 – CH&FC 3)
Photos: Army SC v CH&FC – Dialog Rugby League 2016/17 | #Match 36
Photos of the Army SC v CH&FC – Dialog Rugby League 2016/17 | #Match 36
Soldiers went on to score 3 tries and 2 conversions and secured the bonus point before the break. CH&FC started off well but faded away towards the latter part of the first half. Skipper Manoj De Silva scored first of the three tries, pulling off a beautiful dummy inside the 22m and running all the way to score for his side. The other two tries came from Upul Abeyrathne and Sameera Wickramanayke.
Half Time: Army SC 31 – CH&FC 3
The break worked in favour of the visitors as they came out and straight away and scored a try off the restart. Yoshitha Rajapaksha went over the line after few phases inside the Army 22m. His brother unfortunately couldn’t convert but it was the start they wanted in the second half. (Army SC 31 – CH&FC 8)
Just as it looked like CH&FC were going to make a comeback they started fading away yet again. The first 25 minutes of the second half was fought well by both sides but towards the end CH boys were too tired to resist the fast-paced soldiers. Ashan Bandara scored Army’s 6th try after breaking through from 40m out. Conversion was successfully taken by Chamath Fernando. Ashan played a brilliant game as fly-half for the soldiers stacking up 11 points in the game. (Army SC 38 – CH&FC 8)
Army went on to score their 7th try of the match in the 70th minute. Aravinda Karunarathne easily pushed over from a 5m line out. To sum up another horrible day in the field for CH&FC, Nizmi Nillar was sinbinned in the 73rd minute for a dangerous tackle. It didn’t cost them as the match came to an end without any more points been scored.
Full Time: Army SC (7T, 4C) 43 – CH&FC 08 (1T, 1C)
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Ashan Bandara (Army SC)
Ashan Bandara of Army SC speaking to ThePapare.com:
“Very Happy. All of us played as one and we hope to continue like this in the coming matches. We have few players who are still recovering from injuries and when they are ready to play I’m sure we’ll be able to give a good fight in the league.”
Score Breakdown:
Army SC: Ashan Bandara 1T, 2C, Manoj De Silva 1T, Aravinda Karunaranthne 1T, Chamath Fernando 2C, Nalaka Maduranga 1T, Manoj Bandara 1T, Upul Abeyrathne 1T, Sameera Wickremanayake 1T
CH&FC: Yoshitah Rajapaksha 1T, Rohitha Rajapaksha 1P
