Air Force Sports Club continued their winning momentum in the Maliban Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2025/26, securing a solid 26–17 victory over Police Sports Club in a closely contested encounter at Police Park.
The Airmen began with real intent, immediately putting Police SC under pressure inside their own red zone. A well-weighted grubber kick from Gayantha Iddamalgoda forced Premesh Dhanushka to carry the ball over his own try line, gifting the visitors a five-metre scrum. From the platform, Sharaka Weralla produced a powerful break, driving Air Force to within striking distance. Three quick pick-and-drive phases followed before hooker Parakrama Rathnayake smashed through the defence for the opening try. Iddamalgoda added the conversion, giving the Airmen the perfect start. (Police 00-07 Air Force)
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Air Force continued to build on their early momentum, capitalizing on a poor clearance from Prince Chamara, whose kick fell straight into the hands of prop Manuka Perera, allowing the visitors to launch another threatening attack. Iddamalgoda once again used the kick-and-chase tactic, and with Police fumbling under pressure, winger Mateesha Perera was forced to carry the ball over his own try line—handing Air Force yet another five-meter scrum.
From the base, Sharaka Weralla broke cleanly and offloaded to centre Pramod Padmasanka, who drove the Airmen to within inches of the line. The forwards then went to work with a series of tight pick-and-drive phases before hooker Parakrama Rathnayake powered through to score his second try of the match. Iddamalgoda added the conversion, extending the visitors’ lead. (Police 00-14 Air Force)
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The next 20 minutes remained scoreless, but Air Force suffered a setback when double try-scorer Rathnayake was sent to the sin bin for an offside infringement as Police mounted an attack. The hosts made full use of the numerical advantage, kicking to the corner and setting up a rolling maul that gathered momentum. Skipper Shanaka Harishchandra broke away and carried play close to the whitewash before the Police forwards recycled quickly, allowing prop Hafiz Thabeeth to exploit a gap in the retreating Airmen defense and dive over for their opening try. Police went into halftime trailing by just nine points, having clawed their way back into the contest.
Half Time: Police SC 05 (1T) – Air Force SC 14 (2T,2C)
The visitors burst into the second half determined to solidify their dominance. A clearance kick from Iddamalgoda was returned aimlessly by Police fullback Tharuka Pasindu, landing straight in the hands of scrum-half Vishual Akalanka. Spotting that there was no cover at the back, Akalanka sent a deep kick downfield, setting up a foot race. Air Force winger Shenal Lithira showed blistering pace, outgunning the limping Premesh Danushka to score under the posts. Iddamalgoda converted with ease, extending the Airmen’s advantage. (Police 05-21 Air Force)
Police continued to chase a comeback during the next 15 minutes, but crucial handling errors repeatedly denied them momentum. The turning point came in the 55th minute when Police lost possession while attacking from inside their own 22. Air Force launched a rapid counter-attack, with quick hands sending the ball to Padmasanka, who unleashed a booming kick to secure a 50–22, giving the visitors a prime attacking lineout deep inside the Police red zone.
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Their first rolling maul stalled, but after Police were penalised for side entry, the Airmen had another chance. This time the maul surged forward with precision, and hooker Parakrama Rathnayake peeled off the back to score his hat-trick try—securing the bonus point for Air Force. (Police 05-26 Air Force)
Police’s hopes were further dented when they were reduced to fourteen men after Mateesha Perera was shown a yellow card for a late charge on Iddamalgoda. However, the numbers soon evened out when Air Force’s Vimukthi Fernando committed a moment of recklessness with a late hit on the Police fullback, earning himself time in the sin bin.
Police capitalised on the parity, kicking two penalties to touch to bring play within five metres of the line. A series of pick-and-drive phases followed before lock forward Sameera Jayasinghe powered his way over to revive Police’s chances. (Police 10-21 Air Force)
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With momentum now behind them, Police tightened their grip as the Airmen slipped into a defensive shell, conceding a string of penalties. The Police forwards continued to make hard yards, and eventually Mohan Wimalarathne muscled through two Air Force defenders to dot down. After TMO confirmation, the try was awarded, and Pasindu Tharuka converted to narrow the gap further.
Shortly after, the match was halted due to lightning. With worsening visibility and unsafe playing conditions, the officials called full-time. The Airmen held on to secure victory, despite Police mounting a spirited late surge.
Full Time: Police SC 17 (3T,1C) – Air Force SC 26 (4T,3C)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Parakrama Rathnayake (Air Force SC)
Points Breakdown
Police SC 17
Hafiz Thabeeth 1T, Sameera Jayasinghe 1T, Mohan Wimalarathne 1T, Pasindu Tharuka 1C
Air Force SC 26
Parakrama Rathnayake 3T, Shenal Lithira 1T, Gayantha Iddamalgoda 3C
