Outstation Origins beat Colombo Origins

Outstation Origins 24 points Colombo Origins 12 points

By Shamseer Jaleel

Outstation Origins led by Roshan Weeraratne beat the Colombo Origins led by Omalka Gunaratnein a tight contest, 24 points (2 goals, 2 tries) to 12 points (1 goal, 1 try) at Havelock Park under lights.

At the short breather, Outstation led 19/0. 

This encounter was played as a fundraiser for Chandrishan Perera, former sevens and fifteens player plus the national selector for over a decade. This encounter was also used as a yard stick to select the initial pool of 39 players for Malaysian and Taipei tours. Touring squad of 33 players will be named in 1 week.

Outstation stood out in the initial half with some powerful moves. Their tries were scored by Reza Rafaideen, Roshan Weraratne, Thilina Wijesinghe, and Ashan Bandara. Samuel Maduwantha and Thilina Wijesinghe did the kicking duties.

Colombo's tries were scored by Prasad Madushanka and Lasindu Ishan, one of which Reza Mubarak converted.

For Colombo, Ajmeer Fajudeen, Omalka Gunaratne, Muthuthanthri, and Riza Mubaraka played well, while for the Outstation team stood Roshan Weeraratne, Reza Rafaideen, Kavindu Perera, Thilina Wijesinghe, and Mohamed Abzal.

Referee: P Weeraranga

Chief guest for the event was Sports Minister, Haren Fernando along with some former 1996 World Cup winning team members such as Roshan Mahanama, Chaminda Vaas, Romesh Kaluvitharane and Aravinda De Silva graced the occasion.A few leading Financial Institutions contributed along with spectators for Shan at this encounter.

Sri Lanka will tour Malaysia later this month and play 2 encounters against the Malaysian outfit are playing in the Asian Top 3 three alongside South Korea and Hong Kong. Sri Lankan national team will return home and then prepare for the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 alongside, Taipei, Singapore and Philippines with the winners getting the promotion for Top 3 in Asia during 2020.

Sri Lanka who pulled out of the tournament in the XV's format had a successful negotiation with the Asian Rugby in order to secure their place in Division 1. The touring outfit to Malaysia and Taipei will be headed by former Auckland Academy, Trinity head Coach, Matt Lee with Fazil Marija and Viraj Prassana assisting him.