CH score last-gasp try to seal comeback win

By Sandun Kodithuwakku

A last minute try from number eight Chathura Dilshan helped CH and FC pull off a thrilling 23-21 victory over Navy Sports Club in their Dialog ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament fixture worked off at the Racecourse Grounds in Reid Avenue today (19).

The team from Maitland Crescent staged a magnificent comeback after trailing 6-13 at half time to turn the game in their favour while collecting their points from two goals and three penalties.

The Sailors of course led almost until the final whistle before they surrendered having responded with one goal, one try and three penalties.

CH and FC’s success had a great amount of significance as they were able to register their first win for the current season after having drawn against Army SC (8-8), lost to CR and FC (17-23) and lost to Havelock SC (13-27) respectively.

Even then, their success was in the balance until Dilshan provided a sheer piece of individual brilliance to give them some hope.

The dynamic third-row forward broke off on the blind side following a successful five-metre scrum and powered his way to touch down near the corner flag and to level the scores 21-21.

Samuel Maduwantha then responded and lived upto expectations as a reliable place kicker by executing a spectacular conversion from a difficult angle to add the vital extra points which handed CH and FC an exciting victory.

Earlier, Navy SC dominated the first half as they laid the platform for their first win in the tournament by scoring a converted try in addition to a couple of penalties.

Fijian fly half Seru Cavuilati sliced through the CH defence while full back Isuru Kongahawatta added the extra points after Chathura Seneviratne had fired across two neat penalties.

Navy SC further extended their lead to a commanding 21-6 mid way in the second half after Cavuilati had planted his second try of the match in style.

However, the dynamic Fijian was yellow carded few minutes later and CH immediately took advantage with flanker Sudarshana Muthuthanthri going over for a superb try.

Maduwantha added the extra points and also converted another penalty to reduce the deficit to 16-21 at that stage before Dilshan’s heroics brought CH close to a splendid victory.