Army rally in second half to beat CH

By Sandun Kodithuwakku

Army Sports Club turned in a superb second half rally to beat the CH and FC 20-15 in their Dialog Inter-Club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament match worked off at the Race Course Grounds in Reid Avenue on Friday (10).

Army SC who were trailing 10-15 at half time collected their points from two goals and two penalties while the CH and FC responded with one try, one goal and one penalty. 

Army SC drew first blood with full back Gayan Salinda firing across a 30 metre penalty to give his team an early 3-0 lead. 

However, 20 minutes into the first half CH and FC scored their first try through centre Imanga Ariyapala after receiving a pass from Sajith Saranga.

Samuel Maduwantha missed the conversion and CH and FC led 5-3 at that stage.

Nine minutes later, Army SC took the lead once again when hooker Shehan Silva dived over for a try near the left corner flag.

Gayan Sainda made the conversion for Army SC to grab the lead 10-5.

But CH and FC went into the lead three minutes later when winger Hasan Maduranga crashed thorough for a cracking try off a rolling maul. CH and FC led 12-10.

Three minutes before half time CH and FC increased the lead when Maduwantha was successful with an easy penalty conversion. 

CH and FC were reduced to 14-men shortly before half time when Matheesa Sarathchandra was sin-binned by the Referee Priya Suranga.

Soon after the break in the 44th minute Army winger Sudaraka Dickkubura went over for a try of a superb three quarter move. 

Salinda slotted in the conversion for Army SC to grab the lead for the first time 17-15.

Two minute later Army SC were handicapped after Referee Suranga sin-binned the first try scorer Ariyapala for a dangerous tackle.

Army salted the match in the 78th minute when their reliable place kicker Salinda put over a fantastic 38 metre penalty to make the scores 20-15.