Up-Country Lions win the Inter Club 7’s in a thriller

The Up-Country Lions roared to a thrilling 14-12 win against Havelocks SC to win the Inter Club 7’s worked off at the Havelocks Sports Club grounds.

Nigel Ratwatte scored a converted try under the posts with the final play of the game to seal the match in what was a remarkable weekend for the Up-Country Lions. The hosts- pre match favourites were left to rue their mistakes at the final whistle as the lads from hill country put in a determined defensive performance to stop their opponent’s free flowing game.

The Lions booked a place in the final with another hard fought 7-0 semi final win against the their hill country rivals Kandy SC ‘A’ while Havelocks ran riot with the likes of Dabare, Keegal and Shenal Dias against a clueless CH&FC team to win their semi final 41-0.

Lee Keegal for the Havelocks drew first blood after some swift passes from his team mates. The conversion was no good. At the stroke of half time Nigel Ratwatte scored the first of his two tries down the corner flag in front of the Havies crowd. Srinath Sooriyabandara brilliantly converted from an acute angle. The scores read 7-5 in favour of the Lions.

Havelocks started the second half brightly but the Up-Country Lions’ defense held firm. With the white wash inches away Chamara Dabare knocked on the ball after one of his signature runs down the wing. The hosts were ultimately made to regret that mistake. Half time substitute Sudarshana Muththanthri scored an opportunistic try after a sloppy play by the Lions. Mithun Hapugoda converted making the Lions to a goal in order to win the match. With seconds remaining the Up-Country Lions launched an attack from their own 22 culminating in Nigel Ratwatte scoring under the posts leaving the home fans shell shocked. The Final scores read 14-12.

In the 3rd place playoff Kandy SC ‘A’ ran away comfortable winners against CH&FC. CH&FC were left scoreless while Kandy scored 24 with two goals and two tries. Eranda Weerakkody and Anurudha Wilwara scored tries for Kandy.

CR&FC ‘A’ won the Plate Final 38-0 against the Police ‘A’ as the De Costa brothers put on a show. CR Captain Lasintha De Costa went on a rampage to score a hat-trick.    

The Bowl Final saw Kandy SC ‘B’ taking on Air Force ‘B’ where the lads from the hill capital won with a score of 24 points to nil. Captain Rizmeer Jabbar and Damian Ratwatte were outstanding for the Kandy.

The Shield Final was a close contest as Army ‘B’ gave CR ‘B’ a run for their money but CR prevailed at the long whistle with a score of 19-12. For CR Malith Silva and veteran Raveendra Wakadapola scored tries.