CR outmuscle CH to keep grand final hopes alive

Monday, 9 February 2026 02:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CR fly-half Mursheed Doray passing the ball to one of his teammates – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR & FC kept their grand final hopes firmly alive with a determined 26-16 bonus-point victory over CH & FC in their Inter-Club Rugby League Super Round encounter played at the Racecourse Grounds yesterday.

The win lifts the Reds to 48 points on the table, closing the gap on leaders Kandy Sports Club and setting up a decisive final Super Round clash on 14 February at Longdon Place.

At the short breather, the Reds led 14/8.

CR made a purposeful start and drew first blood in the fifth minute when winger Chamod Muthunayake finished smartly in the left corner. Thenuka Nanayakkara added a superb touchline conversion. CH responded through a strong forwards drive, with hooker Pulasthi Dissanayake touching down in the 12th minute to keep the contest finely balanced.

The Reds, however, regained control through an outstanding individual effort by fly-half Mursheed Doray, who brushed aside multiple defenders to score a magnificent try. Nanayakkara’s conversion gave CR a 14-8 lead at the short breather, reflecting their greater efficiency in key moments.

CH stayed in contention after the interval through the reliable boot of fullback Janith Chandimal, who landed two penalties to reduce the deficit to just three points. Despite enjoying spells of possession, the Gymkhana Club struggled to convert pressure into points.

CR capitalised decisively when Chatura Seneviratne powered over for a crucial try, followed by a penalty try that swung the momentum firmly in their favour. CH faltered in the final 10 minutes, opting for poor kicking choices and showing little urgency when two scores were required.

A late try by Matthew Setele provided brief consolation for CH, but the outcome was beyond doubt. For CR, Naveen Marasinghe, Doray, and Nanayakkara stood out, while Janidu Dilshan and Dissanayake led CH’s resistance.

With Kandy leading on 51 points, a win or draw this weekend will secure them a home grand final at Nittawela, while CR must now win on Valentine’s Day to keep their title dream alive.

Referee Meitetsu Simzu (Japan) officiated the game.