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Monday, 7 January 2019 01:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The red shirts paid the penalty for resting their star player Tharinda Ratwatte on the bench in the initial half when the determined Police edged out CR & FC in a thriller by 21 points to 18 points at Longden Place.
At the short breather, it was 9/7 for the winners.
Police scored two tries, a conversion, and three penalties whereas CR scored two tries, a conversion and two penalties. With three minutes of play left, it was Primesh Danushka who scored a magnificent try which gave the Police outfit the win. The game did not give the spectators’ money’s worth as it was an error-full encounter by both sides where ball handling was sub-standard by both teams.
Janith Chandimal who was in cracking form contributed 11 points for the Cops. Police drew first blood through a Chandimal penalty but CR scored through Sumudu Rankothge. Reza Rafaideen, taking the kicking duties in the absence of Tharinda Ratwatte, added the extra 2 points. Two more penalties by Chandimal gave Police a 9/7 lead at the short breather.
Police scored immediately through Sachith Silva who scored a beautiful try with the hard work down by his brother Niroshan Silva. Police took the lead 14/12.
Two Tharinda Ratwatte penalties took the red shirts in to the lead at 18/14. Police, who never gave up, scored through their scrum half Primesh Danushka with Chandimal adding the extra 2 points. (SJ)
Referee Priyantha Gunaratne