Narrow escape for Red Shirts

Saturday, 3 February 2024 01:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CR retains Commander Eustace Matthysz Trophy; beats Havelocks 12 to 9

By Shamseer Jaleel

Unbeaten CR and FC safe kept the Commander Eustace Matthysz Trophy for yet another year when they edged out Havelock Sports Club by 12 points (2 tries, 1 conversion) to 9 points (3 penalties) at Havelock Park last evening.

In In the first leg, too, the Red Shirts won 25/10. On aggregate from both legs Red Shirt won 37 points to 19 points.

At the short-breather winners led 5/3.

Havelock Sports Club’s Samuel Maduwantha missed a difficult 50-meter penalty early in the game but came back with an accurate conversion a few minutes later to take the Park Club into a 3/0 lead. A second penalty was given for an offside offence by the Red Shirts. Mursheed Doray scored CR’s only first-half try to take the slender lead 5/3.

After the turnaround, both teams dished out some very good running rugby but failed to find the gaping hole of their opponent team. Havies took the lead with Samuel Maduwantha’s second penalty kick, which was a 45-meter-distance one. Another Samuel penalty took the Havies into a 9/5 lead with the game 20 minutes left for full time.

CR who never gave up stormed back with some ghosting moves by their forwards and three quarters, who combined well. But the Park Club defence was rock-solid. Finally, CR replacement hooker Amith Gurusinghe went over for CR’s second try. Manilka Ruberu added the extras to take the Red Shirts through and keep their title hopes alive this season.

For CR and FC, Manilka Ruberu, Mursheed Doray and Adeesha Weerathunge had a great game, while for the Havies it was their skipper, Azmir Fajudeen who stood out.

Former Havies player Marco de Silva was the Chief Guest, and Aussie rugby legend David Campese was the Guest of Honour.

Referee: Praneeth Weranga

Police outclass Sailors

In another encounter, which was played for the Plate segment, Sri Lanka Police Sports Club outclassed Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club by 37 points (6 tries, 4 conversions, 1 penalty) to 7 points (1 try, 1 penalty) at Welisara.

Referee: Sarath Madugalle