CR & FC cruised past a lackluster Police outfit, completely outplaying the Cops and winning 53-13 in the Dialog Club Rugby League game played at Longdon Place.
Even though the game was played at Longdon Place, Police ran out of the home dressing room and both teams were under immense pressure to record a win.
CR Captain Kavindu Perera got his team rolling as he made an early line break however it was to no avail as his support players weren’t able to keep up and a try went begging.
Police were not given a moment to settle and returning half back Avishka Heenpella charged down a kick from the base off Hashan Gomes to run away with an early try for the Reds.
Soon after CR got a firm grip on the game as winger Kavindu Perera touched down in the near corner to settle the early nerves of the team that usually runs out of the home dressing room at Longdon place. Talismanic Flyhalf Tarinda Ratwatte failed with both kicks at goal as the score remained at 10 nil. (PSC 00-10 CR)
Police were feeling their way back into the game however Tarinda Ratwatte was at hand to intercept a pop pass and score against the run of play, further downing the sprits of the Cops.
Ratwatte himself added the conversion from the touch line to settle his nerves following a few nervy moments. (PSC 00-17 CR)
The Cops got their only points in the first half when Sandesh Jayawickrama added a couple of penalties as two CR players (Charana Sendanayake & Udara Gayan) were sin binned for a deliberate offside and high tackle respectively. (PSC 06-17 CR)
Hafiz Noor scored an opportunistic try and soon after Captain Perera scored off a lucky break — picking up a loose ball and sprinting to the white-wash — the Police players’ heads dropped following the back to back tries knowing the game had slipped out of their reach. Ratwatte seemingly settled down as he slotted both conversions. (PSC 06-31 CR)
Ratwatta put his critics to bed following a shaky start as he slotted over a marvelous drop goal from close range to bring the first half to an end.
Half Time : Police 06 (2P) – CR & FC 34 (5T 3C 1DG)
The Cops knew how steep the mountain was ahead as they entered the fray in the second half and started off on the correct note off a try from former skipper Udara Sooriyapperuma. Sandesh made no mistake with the extras. (PCS 13-34 CR)
Omalka Gunarathne was not having the best of days as he was found wanting on many occasions even though Police were out played more often than not in the game.
Tarinda Ratwatta made everyone forget his bad start to the game with a try in the far corner following some smart work by Sashan Mohomed. The winger pounced on the opportunity for a quick line out and two passes later saw Ratwatta diving his way to the try line.
The conversion did not go to plan, however, the Red’s score leapt past the 35 point mark. (PSC 13-39)
The bounce of the ball and luck was not on the Cops’ side as they saw an opportunity for a try go begging as Sujan Kodithuwakku knocked on in close quarters.
CR rung the changes, giving their bench a good shift on the day and it was replacement Kokila Sammaddaperuma who added the cherry on top of the cake as he scored twice in as many minutes to end the game and earn CR & FC a much need victory.
Shanaka Kumara added the extras on both occasion to end the game and the first round on a winning note for CR & FC.
Full Time : Police SC 13 (1T 1C 2P) lose to CR & FC 53 (8T 5C 1DG)
ThePapare.com Player of the Match : Supun Warnakulasooriya (CR Hooker)
Points Breakdown
Police – Udara Sooriyapperuma 1T, Sandesh Jayawickrama 1C, 2P
CR & FC – Avishka Heenpella 1T, Kavindu Perera 2T, Tarinda Ratwatte 2T 3C 1 DG, Hafiz Noor 1T, Kokila Sammaddaperum 2T, Shanaka Kumara 2CBookings
CR & FC – Charana Sendanayake, Udara Gayan
