In a clash defined by grit, tradition, and usually razor-thin margins, the encounter between Army and Navy turned into a rout of historic proportions. Army SC finally delivered a performance of relentless efficiency and brute force, dismantling Navy SC with a staggering final score of 57–24 in their Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/26 fixture.
Army kicked things off with a high hanging kick, but the ball went just into touch, resulting in a centre scrum. Soon after, the Army launched a well-constructed attack, advancing metre by metre deep into Navy territory. After several phases, Navy were penalised for an offside infringement, and the soldiers opted for a quick tap. The move brought them closer to the whitewash, and the forwards took matters into their own hands with a series of powerful carries. Although the sailors’ defence initially held firm, Army shifted play to their backs, and the decision paid off immediately as centre Dhanushka Thalwaththa drew first blood, dragging a couple of defenders over the line with his momentum. Lahiru Rathnayake nailed the first conversion of the day. (Army 07–00 Navy)
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From that point onward, Army attacked like an unstoppable force. After a few defensive line breaks and clever lateral movement to gain valuable territory, the soldiers crossed the opposition 22-metre line. During open play, the Army lock forward produced a superb carry, taking on three defenders and opening space for the prop forward Buddhi Shreemantha, who went over for an easy try near the posts. Rathnayake once again added the extras to extend the lead. (Army 14–00 Navy)
The soldiers maintained their fine rhythm and launched another attack immediately after earning a penalty, as the sailors failed to support their body weight at the ruck. A driving maul followed, though the sailors did well to halt the initial momentum. Undeterred, Army continued their attack with grit and precision handling, almost reaching the whitewash before switching the ball back to the forwards for a pick-and-go sequence.
Eventually, Madhushanka Silva powered over the try line with sheer strength, pushing past defenders to score. Rathnayake remained flawless, converting his third consecutive kick. (Army 21–00 Navy)
After the restart, the soldiers conceded a needless penalty for playing the ball from an offside position following a knock-on. Navy advanced deep into Army territory with a quick tap, and under a penalty advantage, they moved the ball wide. Senura Pieris, despite being tackled, crossed the whitewash with his momentum. Isuru Kongahawatte then produced a superb conversion from the right corner. (Army 21–07 Navy)
However, the soldiers never allowed the game to slip from their grasp. Following a strong attacking passage, they earned a five-metre lineout after another offside infringement. The ball was then sent wide, and Army centre Dhanushka Thalwaththa crossed for his second try. Meanwhile, Navy’s overseas player Lepani Thivanuavou committed a dangerous tackle, and referee Raveen Alexander issued a straight red card. (Army 26–07 Navy)
Immediately after the red card, the sailors showed resilience and earned a penalty near the try line for an offside infringement. The reliable place-kicker Isuru Kongahawatte made no mistake, reducing the deficit. (Army 26–10 Navy)
Once again, the soldiers stormed into Navy territory after receiving a penalty. Nalin Kumara went over the line, though the grounding initially appeared to be a knock-on to the naked eye. However, the TMO review confirmed a valid grounding, and Rathnayake added the conversion. (Army 33–10 Navy)
On the brink of halftime, Navy skipper Denuwan Wickramarachchi ignited an attack with a clever dummy and sidestep to break the defensive line, before running through to score the hosts’ second try. Kalpa Lakmina added the conversion to boost the Navy tally. (Army 33–17 Navy) The successful kick was followed by the halftime whistle.
Halftime: Army SC 33 (5T, 4C) – Navy SC 17 (2T, 2C, 1P)
Navy restarted the second half with a deep drop kick. Soon after, Army stalwart Sudaraka Dikkumbura produced an excellent punt from inside his own 22-metre area, regathering possession and advancing into the opposition 22 before being brought down by the chasers. Army then launched a heavy assault on the sailors’ defensive line. The three-quarters carried play to within touching distance of the try line, but it was forward Madushanka Silva who ultimately overpowered the defence to score once more. Rathnayake continued his outstanding form with another successful conversion. (Army 40–17 Navy)
At the midway stage of the half, Dikkumbura delivered a long pass to Fijian Kitione Lagivala, who was well supported to collect the backhand offload. Dikkumbura then looped around the Navy defence and finished off the movement with a brilliant individual try. (Army 45–17 Navy)
Moments later, Dikkumbura showcased his class again by breaking the defensive line once more before unselfishly passing to Tharinda Chandrasena, who evaded the fullback and winger to score another try for the visitors. (Army 50–17 Navy)
A few minutes later, Army launched another attack from the halfway line, with the Fijian playmaker proving unstoppable as he made another spectacular break. After gaining significant metres and beating the final defenders, he offloaded to Tharun Warnasooriya, who crossed the whitewash to add to the try fest. Rathnayake maintained his perfect rhythm with yet another successful conversion. (Army 57–17 Navy)
Following a deep restart, the soldiers attempted to counterattack from inside their own 22 but paid the price, knocking on just metres from their own try line. Alertly, Amith Madushanka gathered the loose ball and crossed for a consolation try. Stephan Sansoni converted successfully to extend the hosts’ score. (Army 57–24 Navy)
During the final ten minutes, both sides failed to trouble the scorers despite several opportunities going to waste. Nevertheless, a dominant Army SC delivered a clinical and statement performance, overpowering a spirited Navy outfit in their own backyard.
Fulltime: Army Rugby 57 (9T, 6C) – Navy SC 24 (3T, 3C, 1P)
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Vinod Kumar (Army SC)
Points Breakdown
Army Sports Club – 57
Buddi Sreemantha 1T, Madusanka Silva 2T, Danushka Thalwatta 2T, Nalin Kumara 1T, Sudharaka Dikkumbura 1T, Tharinda Chandrasena 1T, Tharun Warnasooriya 1T, Lahiru Rathnayaka 6C
Navy Sports Club – 24
Senura Peiris 1T, Denuwan Wickramarachchi 1T, Amith Madusanka 1T, Isuru Kongahawatta 1C, 1P, Kalpa Lakmina 1C, Stephan Sansoni 1C,
