Slimline SC clinch Women's Rugby Sevens Title

RUGBY: Slimline Sports Club clinched the women's seven a-side trophy in grand style by beating last year's champions Sri Lanka Army Women's RFC by 19 points (2 goals 1 try) to 5 (1 try) in the final played at the Royal Sports Complex on September 30.

It was very interesting to see both Slimline and Army Lasses playing a 'never say die' game excelling with bone crunching tackling, and both teams consisted of National players.

At half time Slimline were leading 12 points to Army 5 points. The skipper of the Slimline Sandeepa Sandamalee played a captains game since she planted two spectacular tries covering almost 50 metres unchallenged to score under the posts while the other try came from their centre Aysha. The only try for Army came from Ruwinee Deepika who planted a try near the corner flag. Both conversions for Slimline were taken by Chathurika Mayuri.

Sandika Hemakumari of MAS Active Synergy RFC, Avissawella was adjudged the best player of the tournament for her excellent performances and planted 13 tries in the tournament which commenced at 8.30 a.m. and she is tipped for a place in the National team. After the finals a pool will be formed from which the final squad for the Asian Women's Rugby Sevens which is scheduled for early next year will be picked.

More than 150 participants from 12 women's rugby teams locked horns in this tournament which was conducted by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Association (SLRFU) and organised by the Sri Lanka Women's Rugby Club helped by Col. Dhammika Gunasekara. This ladies tournament was well organised with the Sri Lanka Army band in attendance.

The Chief guests were D.I.G. Nimal Lewke, President of the SLRFU and Mrs. Krishanthi Lewke (Wife of DIG Nimal Lewke). Also present were: Dilroy Fernando (CEO SLRFU), Rob Yule (National Coach), Brig. Japana Jayawardana (Private Secretary to Minister of Foreign Employment, Promotion and Welfare) and Arjun Dharmadasa (Former Chairman Rugby Development).

Results: PLATE CHAMPIONSHIP, MAS Active Synergy RFC beat Black Mares RFC 43 points to nil, BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP: Nochchiyagama RFC beat Sabaragamuwa RFC 10 points to nil while the SHIELD CHAMPIONSHIP was won by Alawwa RFC who beat D.B. Welagedara RFC 15 points to nil.