RACECOURSE, Colombo: (ePRESS) – Sri Lions Sports Club, a new entrant in the ‘A’ Division League, made a stunning debut by claiming their first victory with a 25-21 win over the top rival CH & FC in the Week 4 clash of the MasterCard Inter-club Rugby Tournament held yesterday at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo 7 after leading by a surprising 10-7 at halftime.
Despite being the underdogs, Sri Lions took control with two goals, one try, and two penalties for their 25 points, while CH & FC could only manage three goals to score 21 points.
The game kicked off with a tight and intense battle, but it was CH & FC who struck first. Ravindu Anjula showed remarkable skill by evading tackles and scoring a brilliant try near the posts. Janith Chandimal’s successful conversion gave CH & FC a 7-0 lead in the 28th minute.
However, Sri Lions responded strongly. Kaveesha powered through the CH & FC defence to score their first try, and with a successful conversion by Kevin Dixon, the score was leveled at 7-all in the 36th minute. Just before the break, Sri Lions earned a 35-meter penalty, which Dixon successfully converted, giving them a surprise 10-7 lead at halftime.
After the break, Sri Lions showed further composure. Janith Chandimal scored a converted try, and with Dixon’s conversion, the newcomers extended their lead to 17-7.
CH & FC responded with a determined push. From a five-meter scrum, Nirosh Perera, one of the season’s top try scorers, barged through to touch down. Chandimal’s conversion reduced the deficit to 14-17, with Sri Lions still in the lead.
But the Sri Lions were not backing down. Shehan Dias increased their advantage with a try in the 68th minute, though it went unconverted, leaving the score at 22-14. Dixon then added to their lead with a penalty kick in the 73rd minute, making it 25-14.
CH & FC fought until the end, with Dhamod Kilan making a blistering run to score a try under the posts. Chandimal’s easy conversion closed the gap to 21-25, but it was too late for the Gymkhana Club to mount a comeback.
Sri Lions held firm and recorded a historic 25-21 victory, marking their first win in the ‘A’ Division League. This triumph not only marked a momentous occasion for the Sri Lions but also sent a strong message to the Sri Lankan rugby community, as they defeated one of the nation’s top sides in their first season.
