Defending champions CR and FC kicked off their MasterCard ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament campaign in style, securing an emphatic 43-13 victory against newcomers Sri Lions Sports Club under floodlights at the Home of Rugby, Longden Place last Sunday.
The Red Shirts dominated the game from the start, building a commanding 22-8 lead by halftime and extending their advantage further in the second half showcasing a balanced performance with five goals, a try and a penalty while Sri Lions managed two tries and a penalty in response.
The match opened with a promising start for Sri Lions as their captain, Kevin Dixon, pierced the uprights with a penalty in the third minute, giving them an early 3-0 lead. However, CR quickly countered with their forwards and backs combining seamlessly and in the sixth minute, flanker Adeesha Weeratunga crossed the line to score under the posts following a move initiated by Chanaka Chandimal’s kick. With Mursheed Doray’s successful conversion, CR took a 7-3 lead.
CR’s attacking intent continued to shine as Randy Silva powered through in the 10th minute to score their second try after a sharp pass from Doray, extending the lead to 12-3.
Former Isipathana College winger winger Rinesh Silva added to the tally in the 18th minute with a brilliant run, courtesy of Number Eight Lasindu Karunathilake’s clever pass. Doray’s conversion pushed the score to 19-3.
Doray further showcased his accuracy with a 25-meter penalty in the 23rd minute, giving CR a solid 22-3 advantage. Despite losing Thanuja Jayaweera to a yellow card in the 30th minute for unwanted play, CR maintained control although Sri Lions capitalized briefly with Nizran Mohamed’s try in the 31st minute making the scores 22-8.
In the second half, CR and FC amplified their dominance as two converted tries within the first 12 minutes of the half extended their lead to 36-8.
Thilina Wijesinghe added the final try for the Red Shirts in the 56th minute, further cementing their lead at 43-8.
CR’s Kaveen Sri Vikum was sin-binned in the 65th minute and Sri Lions managed a consolation try by Denuwan Silva in the 70th minute.
The match was officiated by referee Kelum Sandaruwan as CR and FC showcased superior skill, strategy and depth as they sent a clear message to their rivals—they remain the team to beat this season.
Pictures by Dushmantha Mayadunne
