Army Sports Club Holds Off Navy SC’s Second-Half Surge to Secure a Dominant 48-27 Victory in Their Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 Plate Segment Clash at Army Grounds, Panagoda.
The Army Sports Club had their sights firmly set on victory as they kicked off their Plate Segment campaign against a Navy Sports Club side looking to turn their fortunes around. From the first whistle, it was clear that Army intended to make a statement. Just five minutes into the match, a moment of brilliance unfolded as Isuru Madagedara’s deft pass found the elusive Lahiru Rathnayake. Rathnayake’s electrifying pace proved too much for the Navy defenders as he surged past them to touch down for a breathtaking opening try. (Army 05-00 Navy)
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Navy, however, refused to be intimidated, demonstrating their resilience with an immediate response. A well-structured rolling maul carried them deep into Army territory, earning a crucial penalty. Denuwan Wickramarachchi capitalized on the opportunity with a lightning-fast tap, catching the Army defense napping and powering his way over the line for a try that leveled the score. (Army 05-05 Navy)
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The momentum swung back to Army as they continued their relentless pressure. Despite several near misses, their persistence paid dividends. From a five-meter scrum, they secured a free kick. Number 8 Subodha Samarakoon seized the initiative, crashing through a wall of defenders to score Army’s second try, with Madagedara adding the crucial conversion. (Army 12-05 Navy)
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Army’s attacking prowess continued to shine. Just before the half-hour mark, another five-meter scrum provided the platform for their third try. Samarakoon made a powerful break but was brought down just short of the line. The ever-alert scrum-half, Wasantha Kumarasinghe, then demonstrated his rugby intellect by exploiting the blindside, sending flanker Lakshman Jayawickrama over for a try that extended their lead. (Army 17-05 Navy
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The Army backs then showcased their skills as Madagedara unleashed a beautiful long pass to winger Kasun Bandara near the halfway line. Bandara’s dazzling footwork and pace left the Navy defense reeling, and a perfectly timed offload to Ashan Bandara resulted in another Army try, securing their bonus point. Madagedara’s successful conversion from a difficult angle added to Navy’s woes. (Army 24-05 Navy)
With the first half drawing to a close, Army’s forwards delivered a masterclass in set-piece play. A perfectly executed lineout saw the ball moved swiftly to Kumarasinghe, who then fed Samarakoon. Samarakoon’s angled run and raw power allowed him to slice through a narrow gap in the Navy defense to score his second try in the corner. Madagedara’s conversion brought a thrilling and action-packed first half to an end.
Half Time: Army SC 31 (5T, 3C) – Navy SC 05 (1T)
Navy emerged from the halftime break with renewed vigor, determined to close the gap. Their efforts quickly paid off when number 8 Isuru Perera, after a sustained period of forward pressure, burst through several tackles, carrying the ball deep into Army territory. Scrum-half Koojana Kulathunga spotted a gap and darted for the line but was stopped just short. However, a well-timed loop pass to skipper Thilina Weerasinghe proved too good to resist, and he touched down for a crucial try. (Army 31-10 Navy)
Navy’s resurgence continued, their attacking moves gaining momentum. From a lineout, they launched another attack. Although the initial maul was halted, Navy maintained possession, relentlessly using pick-and-drive tactics. Isuru Perera’s powerful carry proved unstoppable as he crashed over the line for the sailors’ third try, bringing them closer still. (Army 31-15 Navy)
Just as it seemed Navy might seize control, Army responded with a moment of composure and precision. Patient build-up play by the Army forwards, utilizing pick-and-drive, drew in numerous defenders. Scrum-half Wasantha Kumarasinghe then demonstrated his awareness, switching play to the blindside. Madagedara joined the attack, combining with Kumarasinghe to send winger Kasun Bandara over for a try. Madagedara then nailed a difficult conversion from the corner, giving Army some breathing room and cutting off any potential Navy comeback. (Army 38-15 Navy)
Immediately after the restart, Navy received a gift. A clearance kick from Srinath Ranasinghe was fumbled by winger Manoj Kumara, and his opposite number, Dimuth Perera, pounced on the loose ball. With a burst of speed, Perera raced away to score under the posts, making Weerasinghe’s conversion a simple task. The sailors, refusing to give up, continued their attack. From a five-meter scrum, Isuru Perera again broke free, bringing them close to the try line. Replacement scrum-half Hashan Madumadawa then delivered a long, accurate cut-out pass to skipper Weerasinghe, who dived over for his second try. (Army 38-27 Navy)
With the pressure mounting on Army and Navy holding the momentum, Army was awarded a crucial penalty for an offside infringement. Opting for the points, Isuru Madagedara coolly slotted the penalty, extending their lead and putting the game further out of Navy’s reach. (Army 41-27 Navy)
In the final play of the game, Army sealed the victory with a series of powerful pick-and-drive moves. Replacement prop Thusitha Kumara proved too strong, crashing over the line for the final try, clinching the match for Army.
Full Time: Army SC 48 (7T,5C,1P) – Navy SC 27 (5T,1C)
Player of the Match: Wasantha Kumarasinghe (Army SC)
Points Breakdown
Army SC 48
Lahiru Rathnayake 1T, Subodha Samarakoon 2T, Lakshman Jayawickrama 1T, Ashan Bandara 1T, Kasun Bandara 1T, Thusitha Kumara 1T, Isuru Madagedara 5C,1P
Navy SC 27
Denuwan Wickramarachchi 1T, Isuru Perera 1T, Dimuth Perera 1T, Thilina Weerasinghe 2T,1C
