Longden Place, Colombo, Mar 1, 6.30PM – In an intense rugby match at Longden Place, CH and FC emerged victorious against Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, securing a final score of 35-27 in the Nippon Paint Clifford Cup Knockout Rugby Championship quarter-final. Throughout the game, CH and FC demonstrated their strength and skill, leading 15-12 at halftime.
The match saw a flurry of scoring, with CH and FC managing one goal, five tries, and one penalty, while Army SC countered with two goals, two tries, and one penalty. The excitement began early when Theekshana Dassanayake of CH and FC scored an unconverted try in the sixth minute, setting the score at 5-0.
Pasad Madushanka extended CH and FC’s lead with a try in the 10th minute, although the conversion was missed, leaving the score at 10-0. Army SC fought back strongly, with Lasantha Kumara scoring their first try in the 16th minute, narrowing the gap to 10-5.
Sudharaka Dikkumbura’s try for Army SC in the 20th minute, along with Ashan Bandara’s successful conversion, gave Army SC a narrow 12-10 lead at the first water break.
CH and FC regained momentum in the 30th minute when Nirosh Perera scored a try after a scrum, putting them ahead 15-12 before halftime.
After halftime, the intensity heightened as both teams fought fiercely for control. Army SC surged ahead with a brilliant try by Lahiru Ratnnayake, gaining a 19-15 lead after Ashan Bandara’s successful conversion.
Army SC extended their lead with a precise 22-meter penalty by Ashan Bandara in the 48th second of the second half, making it 22-15.
However, CH and FC quickly responded, with Nishan Madushanka scoring a try in the 52nd minute, narrowing the gap to 20-22 despite a missed conversion.
In the 63rd minute, Dinesh de Silva scored a beautiful try for CH and FC, assisted by his captain Avantha Lee. Although Hirusha Nethmina missed the conversion, CH and FC took the lead at 25-22.
Hirusha Nethmina extended CH and FC’s lead with a penalty try in the 70th minute, making it 32-22 in favor of CH and FC.
A successful penalty kick in the 73rd minute increased CH and FC’s lead to 35-22, putting them in a commanding position.
Despite Janith Premajayantha’s try for Army SC in the 78th minute, and a missed conversion attempt by Ashan Bandara, CH and FC held on for the victory.
Gihan Yatawara officiated the match, ensuring fair play throughout the intense encounter.
