A dominant forward performance powered CH & FC to a comprehensive victory over the Siri Lions Sports Club at Longdon Place, as they sealed Cup segment qualification in the Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League on (18th January 2026).
After applying some early pressure, CH & FC won a penalty on the edge of the Siri Lions red zone. Oshan Gunaratne took it quickly and sniped through to score against a scrambling defence. Abdul Haadhi began his excellent day off the tee (SLSC 00-07 CH & FC)
They then added two more near identical scores in quick succession, off the back of the maul from lineouts inside the red zone. Prasath Madushanka and Gimhana Silva were the beneficiaries. Haadhi converted both scores. (SLSC 00-21 CH & FC)
The forwards continued to dominate for the Gymkhana Club as they wrapped up the bonus point in the 27th minute, when prop forward Saabith Musheen picked up and went over after the maul once again carried them to within 5 metres. Shaveen Jayawardena took over the kicking duties but missed.(SLSC 00-26 CH & FC)
After squandering numerous opportunities, the Siri Lions finally broke their duck in the 32nd minute when Sri Lanka cap Nizran Nillar ran a lovely angle to fox the defence and touch down from close range. Nadun Kaveesha added the extras. (SLSC 07-26 CH & FC)
The rolling maul continued to be the weapon of choice for CH & FC as Silva added another score with the final move before the breather. Haadhi nailed the conversion.
Half Time: Siri Lions Sports Club 07(1T, 1C) – CH & FC 33 (5T,4C)
The game meandered along in the opening exchanges of the second half, with the forwards continuing to dominate for the visitors. Silva completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute after his side drove all the way to the line off the back of a 10 metre scrum. Haadhi made a simple conversion. (SLSC 07-40 CH & FC)
Second rower Niranjan Ranmuthu was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. The home team made full use of the numbers advantage as they showed great patience along the fringes before Sachin Aruldas barged through to add the second score for his team. The conversion was missed. (SLSC 12-40 CH & FC)
The fringe defence of Siri Lions was once again found wanting as Maliksha Perera took a quick tap before sending Deshan Vimukthi on his way to dive over untouched. Haadhi continued his perfect day off the tee (SLSC 12-47 CH & FC)
Some great continuity of play and slick offloading from the Gymkhana Club saw them swiftly work their way out of their own redzone. Kavindu Yasas then produced a moment of magic as he stepped past the entire Siri Lions Defence with ease, making 60 metres before touching down in the corner. The conversion was missed.(SLSC 12-52 CH & FC)
Koli Tamanikalu then added the icing on the cake, proving no match for tired legs of the Siri Lions defence as he bumped off two tackles before bulldozing his way through in the dying embers of the game. Maliksha Perera converted. .(SLSC 12-59 CH & FC)
CH & FC host Air Force at the Racecourse next week while Siri Lions will welcome the Sailors to Longdon Place to wrap up the first round of the Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League.
Full Time: Siri Lions Sports Club 12(2T, 1C) – CH & FC 59 (9T,7C)
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Gimhana Silva (CH & FC)
Points Breakdown
Siri Lions Sports Club – 12
Nizran Nillar- 1T, Sachin Aruldas- 1T, Nadun Kaveesha- 1C
CH & FC – 59
Gimhana Silva- 3T, Abdul Haadhi- 6C,Oshan Gunaratne- 1T, Saabith Musheen-1T, Prasath Madushanka- 1T, Deshan Vimukthi- 1T, Kavindu Yasas- 1T, Koli Tamanikalu-1T, Maliksha Perera-1C
.){kind=link}