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Packed stadium watches breathtaking end to historic Sri Lankan Grand Final
By Jon Newcombe
The Sri Lankan club rugby season was settled with the last kick of the game over the weekend, with Ceylonese Rugby & Football Club (CR & FC) crowned national champions after a thrilling 23-21 win over Kandy. It was the ‘Red Shirts’ 13th league title.
The game was a great advertisement for Sri Lankan rugby, with the first-ever ‘Grand Final’ watched by a full house and going right down to the wire.
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Defending champions Kandy led 14-7 at half-time despite losing star winger and leading try-scorer Dinal Ekanayake to a 20-minute red card in the 13th minute of the game.
And they looked to have held on for a famous, against-the-odds win until they were pinged for a high tackle right in front of the posts.
Up stepped CR & FC centre Murshid Dooray to cooly slot the ball through the poles with the clock in the red. “I have no words for what you are feeling Kandy fans,” the match commentator said, as the realisation that they’d relinquished their title sunk in.
CR & FC finished top of the league table at the end of the Super Round of the competition, having already beaten Kandy twice before. It is the first time that CR & FC have completed a 3-0 clean sweep over their arch-rivals.
“The first-ever Cup Grand Final marks an important milestone for Sri Lanka Rugby and a proud moment for our domestic game. Congratulations to CR & FC on their championship victory and to all teams and players who made this historic occasion memorable,” said Pavithra Fernando, President, Sri Lanka Rugby.
“The presence of Asia Rugby Elite Panel referee Craig Chan raised the standard of the match and provided invaluable exposure for our players, officials, and fans.
“As we begin this new chapter, our focus will be on strengthening domestic competitions, developing talent at every level, and working closely with World Rugby, Asia Rugby, and our partners to continue growing the game in Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka Rugby is one of the oldest rugby unions in the world with a proud and rich heritage, and we are committed to bringing back the glory of Sri Lankan rugby and inspiring the next generation to carry our game forward.”
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