CR&FC demonstrated why they are the reigning champions of the Mastercard Club Rugby League with a comprehensive 38-15 victory over Navy SC at Longdon Place on December 28th. The match, which marked Week 03 of the league, highlighted CR&FC’s attacking brilliance, robust forward play, and defensive organization, ensuring their unbeaten streak remains intact.
The defending champions wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the 6th minute, halfback Viduna Amaneth opened the scoring with a stunning try, displaying excellent vision and execution. Fullback Zubair Doray added the conversion, giving CR&FC an early lead.
(CRFC 07 – 00 NSC)
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Navy SC managed to reduce the deficit in the 11th minute when Thilina Weerasinghe, their seasoned kicker, slotted a penalty with precision.
(CRFC 07 – 03 NSC)
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CR&FC’s forwards soon took charge, with Omalka Gunaratne leading from the front. In the 16th minute, Gunaratne powered over the line for CR&FC’s second try, showcasing the team’s physical dominance. Doray’s successful conversion extended the lead.
(CRFC 14 – 03 NSC)
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As the first half neared its end, Gunaratne struck again with a thunderous run to score his second try of the evening in the 39th minute. Doray once again added the extras, giving CR&FC a commanding advantage at halftime.
(CRFC 21 – 03 NSC)
Half time: CR&FC 21 (3T 3C) – Navy SC 03 (1P)
The second half began in similar fashion for CR&FC. Adeesha Weeratunga capitalized on the pack’s dominance to score their fourth try in the 45th minute. After a series of powerful pick-and-go phases, Weeratunga crossed the whitewash. Doray, however, missed the conversion.
(CRFC 26 – 03 NSC)
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Navy SC finally found a breakthrough in the 58th minute, thanks to Denuwan Wickramarachchi’s dazzling footwork. Wickramarachchi stepped past multiple defenders to score their first try of the game. Unfortunately for the visitors, Weerasinghe missed the conversion.
(CRFC 26 – 08 NSC)
The hosts were quick to retaliate. Viduna Amaneth produced the moment of the match in the 63rd minute, slicing through the Navy defense with a spectacular solo run from the 22-meter line to score his second try of the game. This time, Thilina Wijesinghe took over kicking duties and successfully added the extras, extending CR&FC’s lead.
(CRFC 33 – 08 NSC)
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In the dying minutes, Thenuka Nanayakkara sealed the game with CR&FC’s sixth try, capping off another dominant attacking display. Although his conversion attempt was unsuccessful, CR&FC’s lead was unassailable.
(CRFC 38 – 08 NSC)
Navy SC managed a consolation try in the final moments, with Thilina Weerasinghe diving over in the left corner and converting his own effort. However, it was too little too late, and the final whistle blew with the scoreboard reading 38-15 in favor of CR&FC.
Radeeshan Achitha for his outstanding all-round performance, driving CR&FC’s dominance in both attack and defense.
Full time: CR&FC 38 (6T 4C) beat Navy SC 15 (2T 1C 1P)
Points Breakdown
CR&FC – Viduna Amaneth (2T), Omalka Gunaratne (2T), Adeesha Weeratunga (1T), Thenuka Nanayakkara (1T), Zubair Doray (3C), Thilina Wijesinghe (1C)
Navy SC – Denuwan Wickramarachchi (1T), Thilina Weerasinghe (1T 1C 1P)
