CR ends 16-year drought to win Clifford Cup Knock Out Rugby

Chatura Senenviratne well held by two Navy players

CR Clifford Cup champs for 2023

By Shamseer Jaleel

What more you can ask for from CR and FC who were 7th in the league only a year ago but turned tables and ended as runner-up in the League this year and put the icing on the cake when they beat Sri Lanka Navy SC 24/18 in the Clifford Cup Knock Out final win last weekend at the Racecourse ground.

CR last won the Clifford Cup was in 2006 under Pavithra Fernando when they outclassed Havies 37/5. The Longdon Place Club's President at that time was Ravi Balasuriya.

At the short breather CR led 10/9.

Navy had the luxury of two best place kickers in the rugby circle this year, Samuel Maduwantha and Thilina Weerasinghe. Both in partnership put over the 6 penalties for the Welisara outfit. Navy put over three early penalties through Thilina (2) and Samuel (1) but CR, who never gave up, hit back late in the 31st minute of the game through their play maker, Chathura Seneviratne. Thenuka Nanayakkara added the extra 2 points. On the stroke of half time Chathura Seneviratne was on target with his second penalty to take the lead 10/9 in CR favour.

After the turn around 3 minutes into the latter half Samuel Maduwantha put the Sailors head through a penalty. All Samuel’s kicks were long ranging ones with a distance of 50 plus meters. Chatura Senenviratne to put over another penalty to bring the score difference to a solitary point favouring the Red Shirts at 13/12. 

Then the battle heated up with Samuel putting over another 55-meter penalty but Thenuka responded immediately with a penalty through his boots to take the lead at 16/15 favouring the Longdon Place club. Another Maduwantha penalty took the Welisara outfit into an 18/16 lead. But Chatura Seneviratne was on target with another penalty kick to take the lead by solitary point at 19/18. With the game going into the last minute CR, Hooker, Lahiru Pavithra Amith touched down for Red Shirts second try through a forward’s rush.

Referee was Gihan Yatawara.

Speaking to Daily FT, CR and FC President, Ted Muttiah said: “The club was awash with Red n' Blue as Captain, Kavindu De Costa and his victorious team ceremoniously carried the cup to the ‘Home of rugby’ to the resounding of ‘3-cheers for CR and FC’.  CR supporters are ecstatic to welcome back the Clifford Cup, to the home of rugby.”

Speaking further he said: “Commiserations to Navy SC who were a worthy adversary, yet the Red Shirts prevailed on the day. Much credit to Kavindu and his team for their commitment to overcoming all the Navy threw at them.  Also, to the coaching staff headed by Dushantha Lewke and his team. It’s been a keenly fought Nippon Paint Clifford Cup tournament, with rugby fans flocking to the grounds in support.” 

“Last but not the least, well done to the Sri Lanka Rugby Tournament Committee and Sri Lanka Referees Society who have been consistent,” Muttiah added.