The opening match of the Dialog Clifford cup between CR & FC vs Army took place at the Race Course grounds this evening. CR won convincingly 35 (T5, C2, P2) to 20 (T3, C1, P1)
Both teams won a game each in the concluded Dialog Rugby League. Therefore, this game meant to be the decider but CR’s new recruit Penisai Tokakeoi’s two tries in the second half was too much for the Soldiers.
In the first 15 minutes of the game quite astonishingly both the kickers Gayan Salinda of Army and Kanchana Ramanayake of the Reds missed two penalties each. Finally CR fullback Robbie Malneek saw some open space through the defenders and ran through with a massive side step and off loaded the ball to winger Anuradha Herath who made his way with no obstruction directly to the try line. Kanchan successfully converted. CR took the lead of the game with, 7-0.
In the 22nd minute, Center Epi Cokanisaga managed to knock down a couple of defenders and stepped into the 22 meter line of CR. A CR error saw referee give away another penalty to Army. This time Gayan Salinda did not fail to add the 3 points. A yellow card was given to flanker, Sithum Peiris for not releasing the tackled player.
Yet another yellow card was awarded to prop forward Malinda Hettiarachchi for pulling an opponent by the collar while they were attacking. CR had only 13 players left on the field. Shameer Fajujeen came in as loose head for Malinda and Ishan Noor had to stay out.
In the 33rd minute Army got close to the CR red zone and managed to get a scrum. Soldiers No.08, Naketi Jeremia, broke from the scrum and eased over the try line. Salinda was not successful with his conversion.
At the latter stage of the first half, CR was awarded a 30 meter penalty. Meanwhile Army lock forward Thirusha Adikaram was given a yellow card. Kanchana managed to add the extra 3 points before the short whistle.
Half Time CR 10- Army 08
2nd half started off to the advantage of CR as their newly signed no.08 Penisai Tokakeoi made a huge impact with his tackles and hits. CR with a man advantage skipper Costa sends the ball in to touch on a penalty as a result CR won the lineout and their driving maul was too strong for the Soldiers as Tokakeoi fell on the line to his first try.
Lahiru Pavithra entered the field for injured player,Thirusha Adikaram who was also sin binned in the first half. Little later CR was awarded a penalty which was successfully converted by outside center Kanchana Ramanayake. In a yellow card day Ruwan Kumara also was sin-binned by Irshad Cader for not releasing the tackled player CR as aresult Kanchana made that penalty count with three points.
Yet another break from Tokakeoi during a 10m scrum helped them to change the numbers on the score board in favour the Longdon place club. (CR 23 – 08 Army)
Nipuna Devinda continuing off side caused the next yellow card of the game. Replacement Puppy Farrel made a long pass to Anuradha Herath from a ruck who offloaded the ball to Malinda Hettiarachchi the prop forward crunched through for a try.
With 8minutes to go Rochana Hettiarachchi showed his skills with a lovely punt which was collected by the Kanchana who made his way to score under the post and converted it himself (CR 35-08 Army)
An inside pass from the Army fly half Banuka Nanayakkara to winger Sashan, broke through the defense line easily, running towards the try line and landing under the post. Soon after the try winger Wasantha Costa scored through an interception and off load by Sashan.
Reds after having a lead was relaxing in the last 10 minutes but the valiant effort by the Soldiers was too little too late at the end.CR will be facing the league winners Kandy Sports club in the 1st semi final.
Full time CR 35 (T5, C2, P2) – Army 20 (T3, C1, P1)
