Air Force Sports Club kicked off their Maliban Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2025/26 campaign with a hard-fought 24–19 victory over Army Sports Club, in a closely contested encounter at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana.
The Airmen started with real intent, taking control of the early exchanges through patient phase play and composed, disciplined work from their forwards. Their sustained pressure eventually yielded rewards when lanky second-rower Maleesha Weerakoon identified a gap in the defensive line and strode through for a clean 10-meter finish to open the scoring. Gayantha Iddamalgoda struck the conversion without fuss to hand the hosts an early advantage. (Air Force 07 – 00 Army)
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Army took some time to settle, but once their forwards found rhythm, they began to punch holes with strong carries and a well-structured rolling maul. After grinding their way deep into Air Force territory, three quick phases unsettled the hosts’ defence, allowing flanker Thilina Pushpakumara to crash through two defenders for Army’s first try. Playmaker Lahiru Rathnayake slotted a superb conversion to level the scores. (Air Force 07 – 07 Army)
Moments after the restart, Army were penalised for offside, and Iddamalgoda made no mistake from the tee, restoring the lead for Air Force. (Air Force 10 – 07 Army)
The pace of the game dipped slightly thereafter, but Army gradually took command, especially at the breakdown, where they forced a series of penalties. Their forwards continued to batter away with patient pick-and-drive phases, eventually creating the opening they sought. Burly tighthead prop Lakshan Jayawickrama powered over the line to secure Army’s second try, giving the visitors the lead heading into Half Time after a scoreless spell that followed.
Half Time: Air Force SC 10 (1T,1C,1P) – Army SC 12 (2T,1C)
The hosts burst into the second half with renewed urgency, using their forwards to drive deep into Army territory. Their rolling maul made significant metres before Hooker Shamika Kushan peeled off with a powerful break, crashing over the line for a try that was confirmed after consultation with the TMO. Iddamalgoda added the conversion, putting Air Force back in front. (Air Force 17 – 12 Army)
However, moments later, Kushan went from hero to sinner when he was shown a yellow card for a block tackle, handing Army a crucial numerical advantage. The Soldiers made full use of it, tightening their play around the fringes and dominating possession. Their patience was eventually rewarded when the powerful Ijas Ahamed bulldozed through several defenders to score. With Rathnayake adding the conversion, Army regained the lead. (Air Force 17-19 Army)
Air Force, though, were far from done. Their backline finally found some width when centre Pramod Padmasanka carved through the defensive line before releasing fullback Ishara Madushan, who carried deep into the 10-metre territory. Swift ball to the right then opened up another chance for Kushan – Fresh out of the sin bin – who redeemed himself by powering over for his second try of the game. Iddamalgoda made no mistake with the conversion, restoring a five-point cushion for the hosts. (Air Force 24-19 Army)
In the dying stages, Air Force had a straightforward penalty in front of the posts to seal the result, but they boldly opted for a scrum in pursuit of the valuable bonus-point try. The gamble backfired as Army launched a counter-attack from inside their own in-goal area, working their way up to the 22. However, a costly knock-on halted their momentum, ending their hopes of a dramatic late steal and allowing Air Force to close out the match.
Full Time: Air Force SC 24 (3T,3C,1P) – Army SC 19 (3T,2C)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Shashika Fernando (Air Force SC)
Points Breakdown
Air Force SC 24
Maleesha Weerakoon 1T, Shamika Kaushan 2T, Gayantha Iddamalgoda 3C,1P
Army SC 19
Thilina Pushpakumara 1T, Lakshan Jayawickrama 1T, Ijas Ahamed 1T, Lahiru Rathnayake 2C
