The Colombo Blues once again came out winners of ThePapare All Star Rugby encounter recording a 27-24 win over the Kandy Reds.
The Race Course Grounds was set to be lit up by the stars of the Schools Rugby arena with the players vying for a position in the Junior National squad. The Colombo Blues led by Isipahthana skipper Shenal Deelaka were successful in keeping the silverware in Colombo for the 3rd time having downed the Kandy Reds by 27 points to 24 in a closely contested game.
The Kandy Reds showed early aggression keeping ball in hand and gaining good territory keeping the play in the Colombo half for most of the first quarter. They were rewarded with their efforts with Trinity’s speedy wing three quarter Sanchana Shiek going over for the game’s first try. The Reds Captain Tarinda Ratwatte converted beautifully from the corner to register the additional two points. 7 nothing- Reds ahead. Kandy was looking the more threatening side initially making inroads to the opposition territory and keeping the pressure in the direction of the Blues causing some frustrations.
The Blues were quick to reply to the Kandy try courtesy of a Banuka Gamage try. Nimshan Jayawardena was unsuccessful with the conversion and the Reds maintained their lead 7-5. The Colombo lads were yet to get their engines in full swing as mistakes and cohesiveness was not present in its entirety. Tarinda Ratwatte had the chance to increase his sides lead with a penalty but was unsuccessful as the ball sailed away from the posts.
The Reds continued on their pressure path with the Blues still looking a little out of colour. Quick thinking by the Kingswood scrum half Shezan Saleh for the Reds gave the Kandy side the upper hand as a quick tap and run by Saleh allowed for the Reds second try. Tarinda Ratwatte was spot on with the conversion and the Reds improved on their lead with the scores moving to 14-5.
The Kandy lads kept on attacking mode and were again rewarded with a try. The mastermind of the move was Captain Ratwatte as he deftly sliced a the opposition numbers with a lovely angle going almost all the way to the try line before unloading to fellow Trinitian Lochana Girihagama to put the finishing touches. Tarinda missed the conversion but nevertheless the Reds were in a comfortable position; leading 19 points to 5 with the pressure on the opposition.
With time running out the Blues had to get their game on if they were to have any chance of claiming the silverware. Relief for the Blues came through an Omalka Gooneratne try. All eyes were on the lad at all times when he had ball in hand as he was ear-marked as one of the most entertaining players during the season. Peterite Shamri Burah gave a stunning off load to Omalka who was present in support and the lad did not disappoint as he bowled over the defense and went on to score under the post in usual fashion to the delight of the Colombo supporters. Nimshan Jayawardena this time had no issues in the conversion and took the score to 19-12. Blues back in the game!
Just on the half time whistle Royal’s Umesh Madushan showed good prowess to take the ball forward from the fiver meter line and with a little forward support recorded a push over try, 19-17 with a conversion to come. Shamri Burah having a go at the uprights was successful in equalizing the scores on the half with his conversion 19 all.
First half: Kandy Reds 19 (2G, 1T) – Colombo Blues 19 (2G, 1T)
The first half belonged to the Kandy Reds despite the score line holding at a deadlock. The Blues came back into the game with good flare towards the end of the half and it was set to be an interesting second half to see if the Reds will prevail with their pressure or the whether the Blues will turn the tables.
Immediately after the break Shamri Burah had the chance to get the Blues into the lead for the first time during the game courtesy of a penalty. Burah did well to slot the 40 meter penalty in giving his side a 22-19 lead.
The game proceeded into its last quarter with both sides looking to put the finishing touches and take the game but were not having much luck. Tarinda Ratawatte even had a go at a drop goal to wipe the lead of the Blues out, unfortunately the kick went wide.
The Blues looked a more tuned up side after the break with the last quarter’s play mostly in the Red half. The Reds were holding their ground at the offensive mounted by the revitalized Blues. The forwards were hard at work for the Colombo lads taking most of the offensives.
It was the Isipathana forward Chathura Dilshan who gave the Blues additional breathing space with a well-conceived try. Dilshan giving good support to his fellow forwards carried the ball and a few of the opposite numbers over the line to record the first try of the second half. With the conversion going astray the scores moved to 27-19 and the Reds would have had to score twice if they were to take the game home. It was starting to look like an uphill task with the clock running down the last 10 minutes.
The Reds did manage a score via try scorer Asela Wijesinghe who went strong down the flank after picking up loose ball and put a 60 meter run to score on the corner with only flanker Shenal Deelaka in pursuit. Unfortunately for the Reds with the try the clock had run its course and referee Irshad Cader blew the long whistle with Tarinda Ratwattte’s conversion effort going astray.
Final score: Colombo Blues 27(2G,2T,1P) – Kandy Reds 24 (2G, 2T)
The three quarters were outstanding for the Reds who pierced and pressured the opposition and were relentless in their offensive. Trinity’s Tarinda Ratwatte and Lochana Girihagama were stand out players who also were in the points for the Reds. The Kingswood scrum half also played a good role with quick ball and good thinking as well as pressuring his opposite number at all times.
The Blues having some of the bigger name forwards in their squad gave a good display for their team, although it did take some time in coming. Isipathana’s Omalka Gooneratne and Royal College’s Umesh Madushan were looking good with their big hits as well as defensive play. Ganuka Dissanayaka and Chathura Dilshan were players who made their presence felt on the forwards line with Shamri Burah and Kevin Dixon being the playmakers for the Blue’s three quarter line.
The game being a window for the Junior National squad, the selectors will have their hands full trying to decipher the best players and combinations to make the pool given the talent which was displayed.
Thus concluded an awesome array of talent, a heart-warming prospect for the rugby supportive community to witness the ability of the upcoming players.
