Colombo, Feb 18, 8PM – CR and FC celebrated their best victory in a long time on the rugby field. They won the ‘A’ Division League Rugby Title after 26 years. In the final match of the Nippon Paint Super Round League Rugby Tournament at Longden Place, CR and FC triumphed over defending champions Kandy Sports Club with a score of 33 points to 25.
At halftime, CR and FC were behind 6-13. But they turned things around in the second half, showcasing their resilience and determination. They finished the match with 33 points, including one goal, four tries, and two penalties, while Kandy Sports Club managed 25 points with two goals, one try, and two penalties.
CR and FC remained undefeated throughout the season, ending with a total of 58 points compared to Kandy SC’s 48 points. The last time CR and FC clinched the ‘A’ Division League Title was in 1998, under the leadership of Champika Nishantha. This victory marks their continued dominance as unbeaten league champions.
Zubair Doray, CR and FC’s fullback, was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional decision-making and strategic gameplay.
The match saw some intense moments, including Suranga Tennakoon of Kandy SC receiving the first yellow card in the 9th minute. CR and FC’s Chatghuran Seneviratne scored the first points for his team with an easy penalty kick, putting them ahead 3-0 in the 10th minute.
However, Kandy SC quickly retaliated with Tharinda Ratwatte leveling the score with a penalty kick in the 14th minute. Senura Perera of CR and FC had to leave the field due to injury in the 15th minute.
Kandy SC gained momentum with Lasitha Attanagoda scoring the first try of the game in the 21st minute, followed by Tharinda Ratwatte adding extra points, bringing the score to 10-3 in favor of Kandy SC.
CR and FC faced more challenges as Thilina Bandara left the field due to injury in the 27th minute. Kandy SC extended their lead with another penalty kick by Tharinda Ratwatte, making it 13-3 just before halftime.
However, CR and FC didn’t give up. Chathura Seneviratne scored a penalty kick in the final moments of the first half, narrowing the gap to 6-13 in favor of Kandy SC.
The excitement kicked off just after halftime when CR and FC’s Adeesha Weeratunga seized an opportunity, capitalizing on a mistake from Nigel Ratwatte of Kandy SC, scoring a crucial try in the 42nd minute, leveling the score at 13-13.
However, Kandy SC quickly responded in the 43rd minute, surging ahead with a try from Tharinda Ratwatte, bringing the score to 18-13 in favor of Kandy SC.
The game’s momentum shifted when Kandy SC’s Srinath Sooriyabandara was yellow-carded by Referee Ravin Alexander in the 51st minute, giving CR and FC a numerical advantage.
Seizing the opportunity, CR and FC’s Gemunu Chethiya scored a brilliant try in the 53rd minute, skillfully equalizing the score at 18-all with a successful conversion by Adeesha Weerasinghe.
CR and FC continued their onslaught in the 60th minute, as Gemunu Chethiya, with the assistance of Subair Doray, secured another try near the post, granting CR and FC a narrow lead of 23-18 after Manelka Rugeru missed the conversion.
However, the game remained unpredictable as Manelka Ruberu of CR and FC was sin-binned in the 65th minute, leveling the playing field once again.
In a dramatic turn of events, Kandy SC’s Danushka Ranjan broke through CR and FC’s defense, scoring a crucial try in the 66th minute after Nigel Ratwatte’s pass, putting Kandy SC ahead 25-23 following Tharinda Ratwatte’s successful conversion.
CR and FC fought back fiercely, with Randy Silva scoring a try in the 70th minute, extending CR and FC’s lead to 28-25, despite Thenuka Nanayakkara’s missed conversion.
The tension escalated when Charles Praveen of Kandy SC was yellow-carded in the 75th minute by Referee Ravin Alexander for a lane charge after consultation with the lineout referee.
CR and FC sealed their victory in the 76th minute when Lasindu Ishan Karunathikale scored his 10th try of the season, touching down near the left corner flag, bringing the final score to 33-25, despite Thenuka Nanayakkara’s unsuccessful conversion attempt.
