Hambanthota Sharks hosted the Army team on Friday in the round 8 of Dialog Rugby League where the visitors won a much needed victory to regather as a team after two continuous lost.
At the full time it was a convincing win for Army with 38 (T6, C4) to Sharks 11 (T1, P2).
Winger Imantha Ariyapala was fully energized for the visitors and he made the first two tries for the Army. In the 10 minute of play he collected the pass from the line and all he needed was to cross over the touch line. Skipper Rohitha Rajapaksa converted succesfully. This is the first time Rohitha took over the kicking duties for the post despite his drop goal against Havelock’s which was the first of the season by any player. However, Prince Chamara the full back who was the regular kicker thus far for Army, was replaced due to a poor form by Gayan Salinda. That gave Asela Wijesinghe the Kingswood captain a chance to start from the bench. (Army 07 – 00 Sharks)
Ariyapala had a scintilating try to take on the visitors lead in the 19th minute. Rohita added the extras. Until the first quarter it was all Army, but they showed a bit indiscipline in the ruck gave the hosts to add the first points. Chamara Kumara making no mistakes with the penalty. Saniwalati Ramuwai the play maker was astounding as he came with a breakthrough in the 35th minute and ticked the score board. Rohita making no mistakes with the extras. (Army 21 – 00 Sharks)
A minute before the half time army infringed once again and it was a well kick-able distance to Chanaka as he bisected three more points for the hosts.
Half Time : Army 21 (T3, C3) – Sharks 06 (2P)
Army has a lot position through out the game and Pio Tuwai at number 8 made some stunning breaks. Nevertheless Sharks defenders was agile to stop the big Fijian Tuwai but could not stop the threat of Ramuwai the center as he steamed passed his second try. Few minutes later Ramuwai on song once again as he made his hat-trick and that brings a total tries of 7 for his name in this season. Rohitha missed the first but nailed the second conversion. (Army 33 – 06 Sharks)
Undoubtedly Sharks were depending a lot on Emori brothers and Joseph Dunn the Fijian Tusker. In the 64th minute Wagawulagi Emori fly passed with his pace for the first try of the match for the hosts. Chamara missed the two points. It was a good start for Gayan Salinda as he collected the ball from Ramuwai and he had an early X’mas with his first try of the match.
This was a worthy win for the visitors as they were under disappointment going down to Navy and Havelock’s after beating Kandy after eleven years.
Full Time : Army 38 (T6, C4) – Sharks 11 (T1, P2)
Referee – Pradeep Fernando
