CR & FC kept their Grand Final hopes alive with a much-needed victory, bouncing back strongly from last week’s setback to defeat CH & FC 26–16 in a crucial Super Round Week 02 Cup Segment encounter of the Maliban Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2025/26, played at the Racecourse Stadium.
The visitors signalled their intent early, striking in just the third minute. Off a goal-line dropout taken by Janith Chandimal, CR playmaker Mursheed Zubair launched a sharp counter-attack. Spotting space down the short side, Zubair sliced through the CH defence before releasing winger Chemod Muthunayake with a perfectly timed pass. Muthunayake’s explosive burst and sharp inside step took him past two defenders as he crossed for the opening try. Thenuka Nanayakkara produced a superb conversion from the touchline to make it a perfect seven. (CH 00-07 CR)
Despite conceding early, CH responded positively. CR conceded a couple of penalties soon after the restart, allowing the hosts to kick to the corner and set up a rolling maul. The CH forwards drove with purpose, and it was Pulasthi Dasanayake who grounded the ball from the back of the maul to reduce the deficit. (CH 05-07 CR)
CR restored control midway through the half after earning a scrum penalty. Opting for the corner, the initial maul failed to gain momentum, but quick pick-and-drives kept the pressure on. Zubair then took matters into his own hands, producing a sensational solo effort as he powered through no fewer than five defenders to score under the posts. Nanayakkara added the extras to stretch the lead. (CH 05-14 CR)
CH kept themselves in contention heading into the break. Sustained pressure forced CR offside, and Janith Chandimal calmly slotted a penalty. The hosts came agonisingly close to a try through Raveen De Silva, but a TMO review ruled him short, allowing CR to head into halftime with a slender advantage.
Half Time: CH & FC 08 (1T,1P) – CR & FC 14 (2T, 2C)
CH began the second half with renewed energy and immediately closed the gap when CR were penalised for a high tackle by Chathura Senevirathne. Janith Chandimal made no mistake from in front, narrowing the deficit to just three points and setting up a tense second-half contest. (CH 11-14 CR)
The visitors responded with authority. After building pressure through a series of pick-and-drives, scrum-half Harsha Maduranga released Mursheed Zubair on a hard line. Zubair once again punched holes in the CH defence before looping a return pass to Maduranga, who quickly shifted it wide to centre Chathura Senevirathne. The powerful midfielder crashed over for CR’s third try, restoring control for the visitors. (CH 11-19 CR)
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With fifteen minutes remaining, CR landed a crucial blow. A breakdown penalty saw them kick to the corner and form a driving maul that surged towards the line. Although initially held up, CH infringed while defending the next drive, and when Matthew Setele collapsed the maul illegally, the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, sealing CR’s bonus point. (CH 11-26 CR)
CH managed a late consolation when their forwards produced a series of strong carries, culminating in overseas player Matthew Setele barging over the line. However, it was too little too late as CR closed out the contest with composure.
The victory sees CR & FC exact revenge for their first-round defeat and keep their title aspirations alive, setting up a massive showdown against Kandy Sports Club next week.
Full Time: CH & FC 16 (2T,2P) – CR & FC 26 (4T, 3C)
- Swisstek Player of the Match: Senura Perera (CR & FC)
Points Breakdown
CH & FC 16
Pulasthi Dasanayake 1T, Matthew Setele 1T, Janith Chandimal 2P
CR & FC 26
Chemod Muthunayak 1T, Mursheed Zubair 1T, Chathura Senevirathne 1T, Penalty Try, Thenuka Nanayakkara 2C
