Colombo Blue’s managed to secure a 22 points to 7 victory over the gallant Kandy Red’s team, in the second leg of ThePapare.com’s all-star encounter 2018. The scores read 10 points to nil at half time in favour of Colombo.
It was a gloomy evening at the Air Force grounds in Ratmalana, as Janidu Dilshan kicked started the game for the Colombo Blues. Although the Colombo lads recollected the ball from the kick off, the Red’s defence proved to be too strong as they kept pushing back the home team. Then on, Kandy managed to be on the attack and keep the play inside their opposition’s half.
Early opportunities arose in favour of Kandy as the opposition showed signs of pressure and indiscipline at the breakdowns in the first quarter of the game. Unfortunately the visitors failed to capitalize on the numerous openings as the scores remained nil all until the last five minutes of the game.
Photos: Kandy vs Colombo Schools Rugby Encounter | 2nd Leg
ThePapare.com | Hiran Weerakkody | 21/10/2018 | Editing and re-using images without permission of ThePapare.com….
However, turning things around in the 31st minute – the Colombo Blue’s team took the upper hand for the first time in the game, and they made sure it counted. After making it inside the Red’s ’22 and winning a clean lineout, the Peterite prop forward Abdullah Faiz barged through the Kandy defence from the back of the Colombo’s maul. Lumbini College winger, Tuan Zamil made no mistake with his kick as he added the extra two.
As momentum swung the Blue’s way, Zamil slotted in another three pointer after winning a penalty right in front of the post, ending the first half with a 10 – nil lead for the home team.
Half time: Colombo led 10 – 00 Kandy
Breakdown: Abdullah Faiz 1T, Tuan Zamil 1C,1P
Although the first half was a game of the forwards, the boys in blue took a different approach in the second half by spreading the ball out to the backs, who gained all the yards. Five minutes into the final half, the other Peterite forward Julian Charles found himself over the whitewash scoring Colombo’s second try after showing great strength and technique from the back of a ruck. Tuan Zamil made no mistake adding the extra two as Colombo took over control. (CMB 17 – 00 KDY)
As the game progressed towards its latter part Kandy were desperate to get some points on board. Colombo held their ground and stuck to their plan which rewarded them with a third try in the near corner when Keshan Kavinda touched down for Colombo. It was the Josephian trio who created the opportunity when Maduranga offloaded to the fullback Piyatissa who put Kavinda through to score. Piyatissa failed to add the extras but the Blue’s were still in front. (CMB 22 – 00 KDY)
Kandy still kept trying to breach the home team’s defence and after a few phases they managed to enter the Colombo’s red zone. The Reds had to hold onto possession and they did! The Kingswoodian Tuan Dilshan scored Kandy’s only try five minutes before the full time whistle. Ishara Herath bisected the posts adding the extra two for Kandy. (CMB 22 – 07 KDY)
It was all over for Kandy as Referee Aruna Shantha blew the fulltime whistle with Colombo securing their third consecutive victory.
Full Time: Colombo won 22 – 7 Kandy
Score Breakdown
Colombo Blues – Julian Charles 1T, Keshan Kavinda 1T, Tuan Dilshan 1T, Tuan Zamil 1C, 1P, Ishara Herath 1C
Man of the Match: Mubeen Faleel
