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In battle of attrition CR survive to down Navy
CR-24 - Navy 14
By Bernie Wijesekera
In a real block buster the Navy playing cohesive rugby with their entire back division in motion led 14-9 at the short whistle. But CR and FC playing with better co-ordination after the turn around won during the dying stages of the game in a bruising battle marred by frayed tempers by 24 (1 Goal, 1 Try, 4 Penalties) to 14 (2 Goals) to enter the finals in their Premier Cup K.O. semi finals played at Longdon place last evening.

During the dying stages of the game played in semi-darkness Referee Nizam Jamaldeen lost control. In the end it was married by a free for all after the game where apparently outsiders, too got involved. The sailors from the kick off gave a superb display of running rugby and they had the well drilled red shirts running for shelter and melted like ice.

The sailors scored two fantastic tries where the entire back division coordinated. CR took the lead with a penalty put over by fly-half Peiris 3-0.

But in the 16th minute Navy retaliated with a peach of a try started from their own '25 which had the CR defence napping. Winger A.L.S.Niroshan chipped in beautifully to fall over the loose ball. Fullback Anura Ranatunga added the extra points. Roshan Peiris, who had a good game with his kicking boots put over another penalty for CR. 7-6. Navy hit back again through another beautiful try initiated at midfield. Off the ensuing ruck, prop Suranga barged over. Ranatunga added the extra points. CR reduced the lead with spot kick taken by Peiris 14-9. Haren Kaluarachchi took the field just before the short whistle.

Navy should have played more for the whistle and were penalised. CR after the short whistle in the fifth minute scored off a ruck close to the line through flanker Sumedha Jayasinghe which went unconverted. 14-all.

A penalty by Peiris gave them the lead. Kishan Musafer on the wing with his sleek running proved dangerous. During the dying stages of the game it was getting hotted up with players on either side going more for the man than for the ball. In the end 'Jamal' lost control. Zulfikar Halimdeen made a solo run in the melee to put the issue beyond doubt for CR. He himself put over to win 24-14 in a rousing contest.

Today's match - Havelocks take on the tough Army in the other semi-final at the same venue. Kick off at 5.15 p.m.

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