CR & FC fight hard for a narrow win over Navy

Dialog Rugby League 2019/20

CR & FC and Navy SC brought to an end their 1^st round matches at Longdon Place in an exciting match which ended 27 to 24 in favour of the CR & FC in the Dialog Rugby League.

CR came in to the game with a few changes to their side due to injury. But managed to open scoring in the second minute of play when acting skipper Riza Rafaideen sent through a penalty.  It didn’t take long for Navy to come back with a penalty for Isuru Kongahawaththa to slot over successfully. Scores were 3 all.

Both teams missed several opportunities, the entire game was a stop and start affair. Navy were first to touch down with their forwards gaining ground for Charith Silva to score. Kongahawaththa converted cleanly. Navy had the lead 10 points to 03.

With around 10 minutes to go for half time CR got their act together. A perfect set piece set up by Kalindu Nandila gave stand-in skipper Riza Rafaideen the opportunity to touch down and convert his try to tie the scores 10 all.

CR played some attacking rugby there onwards and the forwards came into the game with Gayan Dilshan going over the line. Rafaideen made no mistake with the conversion. CR were in the lead 17 points to 10 at half time.

CR started the 2^nd half where they left off scoring quickly with a try from Janidu Dilshan. Rafaideen added the extras once again to further the lead 24 points to 10.

Navy came back with a try of their own breaking through the CR defense with Thanuja Malimbada scoring under the post. Kongahawaththa made the conversion. 17 to 24, Navy trailing by 07 points.

Navy let go the pressure giving away a penalty, Riza Rafaideen once again obliging to pick up 3 valuable points. But CR went one man short when Sharo Fernando was sent to the bin. 27 to 17, CR had a 10 point lead.

Navy took advantage to score when Gihan Perera powered over the line. Kongahawaththa who had an outstanding game made no mistake converting. 27 to 24 CR in the lead.

Thereafter both teams failed to score and CR held on to the 3 point lead to pick up an important victory and finish the first round in 4^th place. While Navy finishes in 5^th place.

Score at Full Time:

CR & FC: 27 (3 Tries, 3 Conversions, 2 Penalties) – Navy SC 24 (3 Tries, 3 Conversions, 1 Penalty)