Unbeaten CH gun down spirited Army

Action from the match (Pix by Nisal Baduge)

By Shamseer Jaleel

Unbeaten CH and FC continued their impressive run in the inter club rugby league with a hard-earned 43 points (7 tries, 4 conversions) to 25 points (4 tries, 1 conversion, 1 penalty) victory over Army SC in their encounter played at Panagoda last evening. 

Though the score-line suggests a comfortable win Army SC were not willing to go down without a fight as CH led 19-17 at half time.

The first half belonged largely to Army, who produced some cohesive and purposeful rugby in the opening exchanges. Showing no signs of intimidation, the hosts struck twice within the first 12 minutes, putting CH under early pressure and energising the Panagoda crowd. 

Army’s forwards laid a solid platform, while their backs attacked with intent, forcing CH to defend for extended spells.

Despite enjoying limited territory, CH responded with composure and precision as their three-quarters looked sharp whenever possession was secured, stretching the Army defence with quick hands and intelligent running lines. 

Army in the first half missed opportunities from the start and wayward penalty attempts proved costly as the lapses denied them valuable points in a contest where margins were always going to matter.

The second half began with Army once again showing their resilience and belief as they regained the lead after the turnaround keeping CH firmly under pressure. Their defensive commitment and work rate remained high, matching CH in intensity for much of the third quarter.

The final 20 minutes, however, underlined CH’s class and conditioning. Finding an extra gear, they played at a much higher tempo, exploiting tired legs and gaps in the Army defence. 

CH crossed for three decisive tries in that period, effectively extinguishing Army’s hopes of pulling off a stunning upset.

CH’s tries were scored by Prasad Madushanka (2), Maliksha Perera, Kavindu Yasas, Lahiru Thilakaratne, Devinda Ratnayake and Janith Chandimal. 

Kavindu Yasas and Janith Chandimal were on target with two try conversions each while Army’s tries were scored by Vinod Kumar (3) and Srimantha. 

Kumar put over a solitary penalty plus one try conversion.

Referee Jeewaka Fonseka had an excellent game, allowing the contest to flow and ensuring fairness throughout a highly competitive encounter.

•Courtesy from https://www.dailymirror.lk/

https://www.dailymirror.lk/sports/Unbeaten-CH-gun-down-spirited-Army/244-329410