CR Turn on the Style

On an overcast day CR and FC produced a superlative display of fast and open rugby to rout traditional rivals CH and FC by 44 points to 8 in a key first round Caltex League Division one fixture played at CR’s home turf of Longden Place last Saturday.

What was extremely encouraging about the score line from CR’s point of view was the ability of the three quarters- ably marshaled by young Dev Anand- to make the maximum advantage of the limited possession available to them. While the line outs were shared between the two teams, CH dominated the scrums, especially in the early stages of the game which put the CR three quarters consistently on a back footing.

However as the game progressed into the second half after lemons the CR pack managed to get their act together and compete on an even keel with the CH forwards. Nevertheless it was the CR backs who stole the limelight with some good coordination and constant penetration of the opposition’s first line of defense. Special mention must be made of the full back Mohmad Sheriff who looked dangerous whenever in possession of the ball both when joining the line or launching a counter attack, and was a treat to watch when in full flight.

The ‘Red Shirts’ opened the scoring through the boot of fly half Anand in the 4th minute of the game after the CH forwards were penalized for infringing in the ruck. CR progressed from this point by scoring the first try of the game courtesy of right winger Nishan de Silva after a superb counter attack launched by full back Sheriff. Anand made no mistake with the extra points, sending the ball flying over the goal posts. CH counter attacked by reducing the deficit almost immediately with fly half Omar Hassan putting over a penalty. CR came back strongly scoring their second try through No.8 Dushantha Lewke after some concerted pressure by the CR forwards. Anand converted and added a penalty as well as an excellently executed drop goal on the stroke of half time to give the home side a 23-3 lead at the breather.

On resuming the game CR wasted no time in putting more points on the board, when No. 8 Lewke went over from a rolling maul initiated from a line out 15 meters out. Anand’s trusty boot once again made no mistake with the conversion. CR’s next score was arguably the try of the match when full back Sheriff joined the line and side stepped three defenders to score a well worked try under the post which sealed the game and ensured CR got a bonus point, it being the fifth in as many games. It was child’s play for Anand to convert the try.

CH managed a consolation try through wing three Niranjan Wickramarathne when CR were down to 14 players due to skipper Shamil Mohmad shown a yellow card and duly being sent to the sin bin. Fly half Hassen however was unable to put over what was a difficult conversion.

CR capped an impressive outing with a superbly worked backline move in the dying stages of the game with winger Nishan de Silva going over for his second try of the game, right under the posts. Replacement fly half Sendil Kumar had no problems with the easy conversion after which the final whistle was blown by referee Anura Rankothge.

CR and FC seem to be improving with every outing and this win will no doubt place them in good stead for the upcoming crucial games against tournament dark horses Havelocks and defending champions Kandy SC.

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