CR edge out Havies in a thriller

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR and FC came from behind to register a magnificent 23 points (2 tries, 2 conversions, 3 penalties) to 21 points (3 tries, 3 conversions) win over Havelock Sports Club in their Nippon Inter Club Rugby league encounter which concluded at the Havelock Park last weekend.

At the short breather red Shirts led 9/7. This encounter was played for Commander Eustace Mathysz memorial Trophy.

Cr drew first blood early in the 2nd minute through Chathura Seneviratne penalty. Havies hit back in 10 minutes time through dashing winger, Randitha Warnuapura. Sandesh Jayawickrema added the extras to take the Park Club in to 7/3 lead. Thenuka Nanayakkara reduced the deficit through a penalty for CR. It did not take much time for Thenuka to put over his second penalty and take the CR in to a 9/7 lead.

After the turn around Chatura Seenviratne touched down first for Thenuka to convert and take the lead further to 16/7. Sandesh Jayawickrema who had a grand game for the Park Club touched down and converted to reduce the gap to two points. Mithun Hapugoda’s magic chip kick which was chased and scored by Dinusha Ariyapala and Sandesh Jayawickrema took the Havies in to a good lead at 21/16. 

With just one minute for the final whistle CR and FC second row, Gayan Dilshan went through the shell shocked Havies defense to touch down. The scores were leveled at 21 a-piece. Thenuka Nannayakkara who had a magnificent outing added the extra 2 points to take the game away from the Park Club.

This was a magnificent start for the Red Shirts who are celebrating their Centenary year.

Referee Priyantha Gunaratne had a grand game controlled well.