The final week of the first round of the Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/26 delivered a compelling mix of late rallies, narrow escapes and dominant statements. Defending champions Kandy Sports Club turned on the style to close their first-round campaign emphatically, while Havelock Sports Club, CH & FC and Navy Sports Club produced decisive performances that shaped their respective seasons. With Cup and Plate positions becoming clearer, the opening round concluded with momentum and clarity across the table.
Havies Rally Late to Clinch Cup Segment Berth
Full Time: Police SC 17 (2T, 2C, 1P) – Havelock SC 29 (5T, 2C)
Havelock Sports Club overcame a scrappy first half to produce a commanding second-half display and book their place in the Cup Segment with a 29–17 win over Police Sports Club. Early exchanges saw skipper Janindu Fernando and Udara Lakshan cross for Havies, but Police stayed in touch through Kaliova Mocetadra, whose two tries and Prince Chamara’s boot gave the hosts a narrow halftime lead.
- Havies overcome stubborn Cops to progress to Cup Segment
- Kandy end First Round in emphatic style against Army
- Spirited second half rally by Airmen, was not enough to crack through the CH defense
- Navy comeback to hand Siri Lions winless League season
The match turned decisively after the break as the Havelocks forwards took control. Azmir Fajudeen and Abdullah Faizpowered over from close range, with Faiz completing a brace to seal the result. The late surge underlined Havies’ physical dominance and ensured a Cup Segment finish, while Police were left to contest the Plate.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Chathura Dilshan (Havelock SC)
Sooriyabandara Leads Kandy Rout of Army
Full Time: Sri Lanka Army 17 (3T, 1C) – Kandy SC 62 (10T, 6C)
Defending champions Kandy Sports Club produced a ruthless performance to dismantle Sri Lanka Army 62–17 and close the first round on a high. Skipper Srinath Sooriyabandara orchestrated proceedings brilliantly, scoring twice and creating numerous opportunities as Kandy raced to a commanding halftime lead.
The visitors showed no signs of easing after the break, with Gayan Perera completing a hat-trick and the forwards continuing to dominate through structured phase play and rolling mauls. The emphatic win ensured Kandy finished second on the table, just one point behind leaders CR & FC heading into the Super Round.
Swisstek Player of the Match: Srinath Sooriyabandara (Kandy SC)
CH Hold Nerve to Survive Air Force Scare
Full Time: CH & FC 31 (4T, 4C, 1P) – Air Force SC 29 (4T, 3C, 1P)
CH & FC survived a stirring second-half fightback to edge Air Force Sports Club 31–29 and secure their Cup Segment place. The hosts built a solid platform in the first half through Pulasthi Dassanayake, Maliksha Perera, and the reliable boot of Janith Chandimal, taking a 17–3 lead into the break.
Air Force roared back with a dominant forward display, led by Manuka Perera, Parakrama Rathnayake, and Shashika Fernando, closing the gap to just two points late on. However, a crucial intercept-style try from Nahan Hemachandraproved decisive as CH held their composure to escape with a vital victory.
Swisstek Player of the Match: Devinda Rathnayake (CH & FC)
Sailors Finish Strong as Siri Lions End Winless
Full Time: Siri Lions SC 20 (3T, 1C, 1P) – Navy SC 25 (3T, 2C, 2P)
Navy Sports Club produced a composed second-half comeback to record their first win of the season, edging Siri Lions 25–20 in the final first-round fixture. The Lions struck early through Nizran Nilar and Teran Karunanayake, taking a 17–7 lead early in the second half.
Momentum swung as Isuru Perera and skipper Denuwan Wickramarachchi crossed in quick succession, with Isuru Kongahawatta’s accurate kicking proving decisive. Despite a late penalty from Nadun Kaveesha, Siri Lions were unable to close the gap, ending their campaign without a win.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Denuwan Wickramarachchi (Navy SC)
LEAGUE TABLE AT A GLANCE (END OF ROUND ONE)
Cup Segment:
- CR & FC – 42 pts
- Kandy SC – 41 pts
- CH & FC – 39 pts
- Havelocks SC – 34 pts
Plate Segment:
- Air Force SC – 25 pts
- Police SC – 17 pts
- Sri Lanka Army – 14 pts
- Navy SC – 12 pts
The upcoming super Round Week 01 fixtures as follows:
Plate Segment
- Navy Sports Club vs Air Force Sports Club – Welisara (30 Jan)
- Sri Lanka Army vs Police Sports Club – Panagoda (01 Feb)
Cup Segment
- Havelock Sports Club vs CR & FC – Havelock Park (31 Jan)
- CH & FC vs Kandy Sports Club– Longdon Place/Race Course (01 Feb)
All other matches are scheduled for kick-off at 4.00 PM.
