Police Sports Club, last year’s Clifford Cup knock-out champions, dominated the second half to secure a convincing 39 (four goals, one try, two penalties) to 12 (one goal, one try) victory over debutants Sri Lions Sports Club in their Plate Segment match of the Inter-Club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament at the Air Force ground in Ratmalana yesterday.
The match was tightly contested in the first half, with Police SC leading 18-12 at the break.
Police started strong, scoring in the fourth minute with a try from Deshan Fernando. Yohan Peiris added the conversion, giving Police a 7-0 lead. Sri Lions responded quickly, with Denuwan Silva crossing the line for an unconverted try in the seventh minute, making it 7-5.
Police extended their lead with a penalty from Peiris in the ninth minute, making it 10-5. However, Sri Lions showed their resilience as burly prop forward Dushmantha Priyadarshana powered through the Police defense for a try in the 16th minute.
Anuradha Silva’s conversion gave Sri Lions a 12-10 lead.
The lead changed hands once again as Police took advantage of a penalty in the 20th minute to make it 13-12. Just before the half-time, Police scored their second try, with Yohan Peiris touching down for an unconverted try, extending their lead to 18-12 at the break.
The second half saw a more dominant Police SC. However, they were briefly reduced to 13 men after Deshan Fernando (45th minute) and Prince Chamara (48th minute) were sent to the sin bin. Despite being down in numbers, Police continued to attack with resilience.
With both players returning to the field, Police increased their lead in the 61st minute. Scrum-half Shehandu Costa scored a brilliant try and Peiris converted, making it 25-12.
Sri Lions struggled to capitalize on Police’s reduced numbers, and in the 65th minute, Police were again penalized with Faizer Abdullah receiving a yellow card.
But Police’s dominance continued as they increased their lead in the 70th minute. Number eight Vihanga Pivithuru scored, with Peiris converting, making it 30-12.
In the 77th minute, replacement player Vihanga Pavithura sealed the win with a try and Peiris’ conversion made it 39-12.
The final whistle blew, with Police securing an emphatic victory displaying their strength and skills in the game.
