Army SC registered a comfortable victory over Police SC by 43 points to 36 at Police Park in the final week of Dialog Rugby League 2017/18.
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Police kicked off proceedings after the formalities but it was Army who drew first blood. After a few phases inside the 22m, Ashan Bandara spotted a gap on the outside and went over to open their account. Gayan Salinda added the extras. The first half was eventful as both teams played end to end rugby which kept the match going at a brisk pace. (Army 7 – Police 0)
The home side opened their scoring moments later when Shanaka Harishchandra burst through a few Army players to touch down. They went on to take the lead shortly afterward when Lahiru Gurusinghe touched down. Air Force SC’s three quarters worked in sync as they carried the ball deep inside the Army half. Sandesh Jayawickrama managed to convert on both occasions. (Army 7 – Police 14)
Gayan Salinda managed to draw back the deficit by shooting a penalty and they went on to take the lead back when Sudaraka Dikkumbura showed his speed and his skills on foot stepping in and out to score under the post. Gayan added the extras. (Army 17 – Police 14)
The home side responded with Skipper Rasith Silva jumping over the line. Once again it was their three quarters who made the hard yards in lead up to the try. (Army 17 – Police 19)
Just before the break, two quick tries from Ashan Bandara and Shehan Silva saw the visitors take the upper hand going into half time.
Half Time: Army SC 31 – Police SC 19
Police kick-started the 2nd half with a try from Janith Chandimal. Once again beautiful running lines from the three quarters carried the ball deep inside the Army half. Even though they managed to keep up with their opponents, their indiscipline on field let them down. (Army SC 31 – Police SC 24)
Army took full advantage of some lackluster rugby from the Cops when Manoj Bandara intercepted the pass from Lahiru and went all the way to score. Gayan added the extras. (Army 38 – Police 24)
Once again Janith Chandimal got into the act and showed his colors with a scintillating try down the corner flag to keep the Cops in the game but a try from Dinesh Suranga minutes away from the final whistle killed any opportunity of a comeback for the home side. (Army 43 – Police 29)
At the stroke of full time Lahiru Pavithra scored the 6th try for Police but it proved too little too late as they had to settle for yet another defeat this season.
Full Time: Army SC 43 (6T, 5C, 1P) – Police SC 36 (6T, 3C)
ThePapare.com’s Player of the Match: Ashan Bandara (Army SC)
Points Breakdown
Scorers for Army: Tries from Ashan Bandara(2) Sudaraka Dikkumbura(1), Manoj Bandara(1), Shehan Silva(1) and Dinesh Suranga(1) , conversions from Gayan Salinda(5) and a Penalty from Gayan Salinda
Scorers for Police: Tries from Janith Chandimal(2), Shanaka Harischandra(1), Rasith Silva(1), Lahiru Pavithra(1) and Lahiru Gurusinghe(1) and Conversions from Sandesh Jayawickrama
Bookings: Fawmy Wajeed (Police)
