| Coming off a 3-1 loss in game one of the 2002 State of Origin Curryball series, Team India had their backs against the wall. The Indians were totally outgunned by the efficient Sri Lankans who were boosted by their several imports from year 9. Team Sri Lanka, who were cocky and brash coming into game 2, faced a fired up Team Indian. The Indians rubbed thier faces to teh dirt in the first half with a barnstorming performance which kept all anti-indian supporters quiet. The first try came after a flowing move from the Indian team, driving up the centre with ferocious power. Then on the fifth tap Aman,on teh right, dummied and grabbed the ball in and Maestro, who was on the wing, came steaming through and put the ball down. India 1 Srilanka 0. In the next few minutes, Team India was on the rampage and kept the SriLankans on the backfoot. But Team Sl, against teh flow of play, managed to level the score soon after with Nirashen scoring askilful chip 'n' chase try. This put the SriLankans back in the game. But the Indians weren't content with only one try and soon smelly Kapil managed to regain the lead for India with a powerful drive for the line. The excitement of the Indian crowd was lifted another notch when a very unpopular member of the SriLankan team(Sam) was taken out by Kapil. But Sam rebounded and scored for SriLanka after a clever kick penetrated the defense. With 5 minutes remaining and the scores locked at 2-2, Sam had an oppurtunity to win teh series for teh islanders with a dazzling run, but teh dropped the ball short of the line. With a last ditch effort, Kapil scored a memorable try for India. Leveling the series. - Raj Banerjee |
| Curryball State of Origin |