CR downs Navy the second time around

Match Review by Shantha Kurumbalapitiya

As expected, CR ran in favorites, being the only unbeaten team of the Caltex League Tournament. Even though CR humbled the defending champions the “Kandy Lions” last week in a spectacular performance of open rugby, no chances were taken against the Navy. This weeks opponents may not have been a side to worry about, but CR stuck to their usual team, resting experienced senior Viraj.

It was no cake walk with the Sailors, who showed mite and held the CR forwards firm during most parts of the game, and slowed down the red shirts from running good ball. But our boys, who had the experience, kept their cool and stuck to the game plan.

CR drew first blood in the 12 th minute of the game, when Wakadapoka scored off a move from a 5 yard scrum, which Pushpakumara converted from a difficult angel to add in the extra points, for CR to lead 7 – 0. The Sailors resisted the next 15 minutes holding our pack and stopping the CR line from penetrating theirs many a time. However, in the 26 th minute, CR scored again through Shamly Nawaz who joined the line to fall over off a 3 rd phase move, which Pushpakumara converted to make it 14 – 0. Sailors replied with a 20m penalty to make it 14 – 3 at lemons.

After the breather, CR played a better game, playing to their usual pace. The fitness of the Sailors was now tested, as they showed signs of wear and tear. CR first scored in the second half off a 5m line-out, for Pavithra to bulldoze his way to fall over the line. Pushpakumara was not on target this time around, at which point CR led 19 – 3. Then the flood gates opened, where the sailors found it hard to handle.

CR was awarded a penalty try, when the tiring Navy players were found collapsing the scrum, to stop the powering CR forwards crossing the line. Pushpakumara made no mistake. CR led 26 – 3. Navy were awarded a 35m penalty, which they converted to make it 26 – 6 in CR's favor.

Then came the most spectacular try of the match, in the 36 th minute of the second half. CR turned over the ball in their 20, and Sheriff displayed some footwork equivalent to a Latin dancer to zig zag his way to the 40, and slung the ball to “Mr. Safe”, Rodda who dashed along the left line to score under the post. This was Champaign rugby for CR fans, who were on their feet by this time, cheering their side, who led 33 – 6.

At the dying stages of the game, the Navy pack was found handling the ball off a CR scrum, and was penalized 3 times over in their 5. CR opted for scrumage each time, and finally pushed the tired Navy pack for Shamly Nawaz to touch down far left, which was a difficult angle for Pushpakumara to convert. CR won the game 38 – 6.