Navy after failing to keep their unbeaten streak last week bounced back after beating Airforce 40 points to 22 in their Dialog Rugby League game at Ratmalana yesterday.
Navy’s outside half Chanaka Chandimal kicked off proceedings against Airforce at Airforce ground. From the outset Navy held sway and just three minutes into the game Dinusha Chathuranga found his way over the line as the ball was turned over from Airforce. Conversion was successful by Riza Mubarak. Even though Navy was the stronger side they kept on making unforced errors. Air Force used that as an advantage as Charith Senevirathne got their score board ticking through a penalty. The marines bounced back soon after when Navari Eramasi broke through the defense and passed the ball to Terrence Henry who scored his first try of the match. Conversion was yet again succesful by Riza Mubarak. Aiforce should be given credit for their spirit and determination as they kept on pushing at their opponents. They forced an error from Navy and was awarded a penalty which was taken succesfully by Charith Senevirathne. ( Navy 14 Airforce 6 )
The marines kept ticking away when Navari Eramasi forced his way through the midfield and offloaded right on time for Dinusha Chathuranga to score his second try of the match. The conversion was just piece of cake for Riza Mubarak. Navy’s only let off were their own silly mistakes which allowed Airforce to get back in the game. Charith Senevirathne scored his third penalty of the match. It was tit for tat throughout the match as both teams kept bouncing back. This time it was the marines who bounced back with another try through their hooker Dulanjana Wijesinghe. As it came close to the half time whistle Airforce managed to score three more points through a penalty which was taken by Charith Senevirathne. At half time Navy led Airforce 26 points to 12.
Half Time: Navy 26(4T, 3C) : Airforce 12 (4P)
In the second half the aviators came all guns blazing as they went on to score a try in the first minute of play. It was a lazy passage of play by Navy which worked in favor of Airforce as Vilkesa Koilage went over the line to score their first try of the match in what followed a positive period of play for the Air Force. Navy looked ragged for a few minutes before they broke the shackles. They continued scoring as Terrence Henry went on to score his second try of the match showing his immense strength as he powered his way through the defense. Conversion was yet again succesfull by Riza Mubarak. They weren’t done yet, as Navy scored their sixth try through Sajith Suranga. Conversion was succesfull by Riza Mubarak had a another brilliant game scoring 10 points and assuring that the ball is cleared when it’s kicked to their own backyard.
As time was running away Airforce’s chances of getting on top ran away as well. But they should be appreciated for not giving up till the last moment. They managed to score another try in the very last minute of play as consolation. Soorya Krishan found his way ove the line near the corner flag just before refree blew the final whistle. Match ended with Navy becoming victorious against Airforce 40 points to 22.
Full Time Navy (6T, 5C) 40 – 22(2T, 4P) Air Force
ThePapare player of the match: Dinusha Chathuranga
Navy Leonard stated to ThePapare.com ” I’m very happy and satisfied with today’s performance. The field was narrow so we weren’t allowed to play our usual wide game. I’m looking forward to the next match against Army.”
