Defending League Champions Kandy and Clifford Cup Champions CR & FC maintained their unbeaten record, while Havies and Army notched up wins at the end of the fourth week fixtures Nippon Paint Sri Lanka Rugby Major League Tournament.
At Longden Place-Hosts CR just managed to hold back a gallant CH & FC and pushed through for a close five point win after some nerve-racking moments, with the final scoreline reading 28-23 after having led 13-10 at the short whistle.
Even though CR notched up a win and collected a bonus point by scoring four tries, CR retained the Hadji Omar memorial trophy. Avantha Lee and his charges produced a spectacular performance, and the result looked unpredictable until the full time whistle.
Even though CR possess a well-balanced side, they were given a torrid time by their rivals who matched them in all departments. CR skipper Suhiru Anthony, along with Mursheed Doray and Thenuka Nanayakkara, were pick of the players played their hearts out while playing a pivotal role in their win. It was Doray’s kicks to touch which enabled them to gain territory and set the platform for his team to breach the opponent’s defence time and again.
Thenuka broke the deadlock with a front of the post penalty in the 10th minute, but CH full back Hirusha Sampath equalised firing a 30 metre penalty. After some anxious moments of play, CR number 8 Lasindu Karunathilake barged over the left corner flag off a forwards move midway in the first half, but Thenuka fluffed the conversion.
CR backs were in tandem and moved the ball perfectly to score their second try through Randy Silva, which again went unconverted. CH then used their forwards to gain territory and surged ahead to the rivals 22. Hooker Prasad Madusanka fell over the rival defense to score after some quick rucks and mauls, and with Hirusha adding the extra points, the score was 13-10 at the breather.
After the break, both teams opted to use their three quarters and run the ball immensely, where the game took a terrific turn around. Manilka Ruberu and Amith Gurusinghe placed the final nail in the CH coffin by touching down, while Dinesh Silva went over for a consolation try for the losers. Thenuka Nanayakkara and Hirusha Nethmina goaled the tries and converted the penalties for their respective teams.
Unconvincing win by Havies
At Havelock Park-Havies managed to scamper through for an unconvincing 16-5 win over Police at Police Park. The high-octane fixture turned out be a scrappy affair and was played below the anticipated standards. Both teams made basic elementary mistakes which resulted in a low scoring game. Even with a well-balanced side Havies seemed to be playing without a proper plan. Even though they dominated the set pieces, they failed to put the finishing touches. But importantly, they managed to win the game after leading 13-3 at lemons. The Park club managed to post just three more points in the second half which came off a penalty, which showed their inability to breach the rivals defences.
Police are improving side with each game and had plenty of opportunities to turn the tables. Poor execution of plans, and fluffing the ball at crucial moments deprived them of certain victory. Overall, both teams played below expectations, which turned out be a dull and lackluster affaffair.
Army notch up maiden win
In Panagoda-Army continued their good form to notch up their maiden win after defeating Navy 29-17 after leading 17-7 at half time.
After their belligerent performance against Havelocks the previous week, which they were unlucky to lose by two points, they learnt their lesson and were disciplined to have the better over the Sailors. This win has given them the much needed impetus to bolster in the up coming game which is foing to be an acid test foe them.
Once again, the Soldiers opted to use their three quarters to run riot, and were ably supported by the forwards who dominated the set pieces. They were also able to acquire the bonus point after scoring over four tries.
Navy one of the top teams at end of last season is reeling get into rhythm. They are yet to post a win so far, and is finding it difficult to click as a unit. They are managing score which shows they are good at offensive play, but their defensive play is far below expectations.
Kandy trounce Airmen
In Ratmalana-Kandy were in for a shock when they trailed Air Force 6-5 at halftime. However, super second half rally saw they rallied around and went on to win 30-13 at full time, collecting the all-important bonus point, too. They were resting few of their senior players gave an opportunity to their players on the bench. The Airmen failed to maintain consistency which enabled Kandy to take the upper hand and bounce back to trounce the hosts.
At the end of the fourth round Kandy are leading the fray 23 points and CR is just one point lesser with 23 points. Havelocks has earned 18, CH 12 while Army 8, Police 6, Air Force 5 and Navy 1 respectively.
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