CR and FC edge out Havies 23-21 with last-minute try

The CR and FC have commenced their Centenary celebrations in great style. Last week they brought down their traditional rivals Havelock SC 23-21 to launch their campaign for the Inter-Club League title on a successful note. Their victory also had a great amount of significance as they were able to avenge their previous defeat after they were humiliated by a massive margin of 3-53 at Longden Place last year.

Even then CR and FC’s success was in the balance going into the last few minutes of the game as they were trailing 16-21 before Gayan Dilshan produced the match winning try for the visitors.

Thenuka Nanayakkara added the vital extra points having earlier fired across three penalties as the CR and FC held on determinedly to register a memorable victory.

Until then, Havelock SC had the game well under control and were cruising along after having scored two late tries in the space of three minutes through Sandesh Jayawickrema and Iranga Ariyapala.

But their hopes of starting the League Tournament on a winning note was completely dashed as the CR and FC staged a superb comeback to snatch the game at the last moment.

Air Force SC v CH and FC

Meanwhile, Air Force SC made an early statement as they defeated the CH and FC 30-22 in their opening encounter played at Ratmalana. The Airmen were almost down and out at one stage after they conceded a 6-19 lead to their opponents at half time and were trailing once again 6-22 midway in the second half.

But the home side found some real momentum during the latter stages as they planted three back-to-back tries to snatch a dramatic victory in the end from the jaws of defeat.

Navy SC v Police SC

Navy SC produced a superb second half rally to beat Police SC 15-7 in the curtain-raiser match of the Inter-Club Tournament played at Welisara. The Sailors were trailing 5-7 at half time but they came back magnificently after the turnaround to score a late try through flanker Nirosh Perera with the reliable Thilina Weerasinghe adding the extra points.

Earlier, Police SC took the initiative and set the pace for a victory with a try from prop forward Mohan Wimalaratna with full back Sashika Jayawardena adding the extra points.

However, Navy SC had different ideas as they counter attacked beautifully and matched their opponents in the set pieces and line outs before adding the finishing touches in style.

Kandy SC v Army SC

The defending champions Kandy SC got off to a flying start as they cruised to a resounding 46-8 victory over Army SC at the Nittawela Stadium in Kandy.. The home side ensured their victory very early in the game as they went into half time with a commanding 26-8 lead and made six replacements during the latter stages while providing the match exposure to all their players.