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Wednesday, 20 July 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A dazzling performance by Richard Dharmapala helped Access Group regain the prestigious Mercantile Rugby Sevens “Cup” Championship title after 15 years, as they stunned Dialog Axiata “A” with a 35/12 win, after leading 14/12 at half time.
The 46th edition of the tournament, conducted by the Mercantile Rugby Football Association (MRFA) was held from 15-17 July at the CR&FC grounds. Access Group last won the title in 2000 and finished Runners-Up in 2015.
For his brilliant performance in the tournament, Richard Dharmapala carried away the Yamaha “Saluto” 125 CC Motor Cycle presented by AMW, together with the Mohan Daniel Memorial challenge Trophy, as the Man of the Tournament, and the Pemraj Peiris Memorial challenge Trophy, as the Man-of the Final.
Dialog Axiata “A” got off to flying start, scoring in the second minute of the game, via Dulaj Perera; in the very next minute, Dinusha Fernando touched down, Dulaj Perera converted to give Dialog “A” a commanding lead of 12/0.
The rampaging Dialog Axiata then stopped on its tracks, as Dhanushka Ranjan and Richard Dharmapala, scored back to back tries, both converted by Richard Dharmapala, as access Group led 14/12 at half time.
In the second half, Access Group went full throttle with three more sizzling back to back tries scored by Richard Dharmapala, Dhanushka Ranjan and Dhanush Gayan, conversions via Chanaka Chandimal, as they stunned Dialog to win handsomely, 35/12.
In the Semi Finals, Access Group beat Nation Lanka Finance 38/7 & Dialog Axiata “A” beat John Keells “A”, 26/12; In the play off for the third place (“Plate”), Nation Lanka Finance beat John Keells “A” 28/22; Gayantha Iddamalgoda from Nation Lanka Finance was picked as the Most Promising Player and carried away the Capt. Mathew George Memorial Challenge Trophy.
Shield Championship
In the final, Brandix Intimate Apperal, Welisara beat PABC Bank 26/7, after leading 7/0 at half time.
In the Semi Finals Brandix beat Kandurata Umbrella “B”12/7 and PABC beat Janashakthi Insurance, 17/14.
Kasun Hurigolla from Brandix was adjudged as the best performer. Brandix also carried away the brand new Sajith Mallikarachchi Memorial Challenge Trophy awarded for “Fair Play” for the very first time.
Bowl Championship
John Keells “B” retained the title, beating Dialog Axiata “B” 29/5, after leading 12/0 at half time, in a repeat final of last year.
In the Semi-finals, J. Keells beat CDB “Reds”, 12/7 & Dialog “B” beat Kanrich Finance, 10/7; Ramesh Fernando from J. Keells “B” was adjudged as the Most Up and Coming Player.
Women’s Tag Rugby “Sevens”
In first-ever Mercantile Women’s Tag Rugby “Sevens”, Ceylon Tobacco Co. beat Virtusa 5/0, the winning points scored in the first half; earlier on, CTC beat Office Network, 15/0 and Virtusa beat Office Network 10/5.
The awards were presented by Sumal Perera, Patron of MRFA, Shanaka Fernando, President of MRFA, Samantha Rajapaksa, Managing Director, AMW, Shehan de Zoysa, General Manager of AMW, Amila Supun Perera, Product Manager, Akbar Pharmaceuticals, Eranjith Ranasinghe, Executive Director, George Steuarts Health Ltd.; and the two MRFA past Presidents, Marco de Silva and Prasanna Silva.
