The Maliban Inter Club Rugby League 2025/26 kicked off in pulsating fashion over the weekend, delivering drama, dominance, grit, and late twists across all four opening-week fixtures. From Navy’s last-gasp heroics to CR & FC’s clinical dismantling of the Siri Lions, the league’s return could not have been scripted better.
Navy rescue a last-minute draw against 14-man Havelocks
FT: Navy SC 31 – 31 Havelock SC
Navy started brilliantly, scoring through Isuru Perera and Denuwan Wickramaarachchi, while Isuru Kongahawatta added two conversions and a long-range penalty for a 24 – 10 Half Time lead. The Havelocks suffered a huge blow when flanker Udesh Madushanka was sent off for a dangerous tackle just before the break.
>>Kongahawatta steers Navy to a draw against 14-man Havies in season opener
Despite being a man down, The Havelocks surged back with tries from Jayathu Rajarathne, Chathura Dilshan, and Janidu Fernando, with Sandesh Jayawickrama steering the comeback to put them ahead 31 – 24.
Navy, however, found one final response. After more than 20 phases in the dying seconds, Pradeep Ranaweera powered over before Isuru Kongahawatta coolly slotted the equalising conversion.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Isuru Kongahawatta (Navy SC)
CH & FC too strong for out-of-sync Police
FT: CH & FC 29 – 05 Police SC
CH & FC controlled proceedings from start to finish, led by a brace from winger Samitha Warnakulasooriya. Janith Chandimal kicked accurately as CH built a 22–0 Half Time lead, with Police offering little resistance.
>>CR & FC asserts dominance in a commanding victory over Siri Lions
Police scored their only points through Vihanga Shaveen early in the second half, but CH sealed a comfortable win with a late try from Oshan Gunaratna to wrap up the bonus point.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Samitha Warnakulasooriya (CH & FC)
CR & FC run riot with 11 tries against Siri Lions
FT: Siri Lions 08 – 65 CR & FC
CR & FC delivered a powerhouse performance, scoring 11 tries. Chemod Muthunayake opened the scoring before winger Aaron Corera stole the spotlight with a hat-trick. Additional tries came from Thanuja Jayaweera, Harsha Maduranga, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Ravindu Anjula, Omalka Gunaratne, Mursheed Zubair, and Charith Silva.
>>Air Force outmuscle Army in a gritty first match
The Reds led 36 – 3 at Half Time and continued to dominate, while the Siri Lions managed only a penalty from Nathan Gunarathne and a consolation try by Praneeth Silva late on.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Harsha Maduranga (CR & FC)
Air Force hold off late Army surge to start with a win
FT: Air Force SC 24 – 19 Army SC
Air Force struck first through second-rower Maleesha Weerakoon, converted by Gayantha Iddamalgoda, before Army hit back with tries from Thilina Pushpakumara and Lakshan Jayawickrama, supported by the boot of Lahiru Rathnayake.
Air Force regained momentum after Half Time when hooker Shamika Kushan powered over for his first try, but he was soon yellow-carded for a block tackle. Army capitalised through prop Ijas Ahamed, who scored under heavy pressure.
>>Dismal Police no match for CH & FC in season opener
The match swung again when fullback Ishara Madushan sliced through the line to set up Shamika Kushan for his second try – the decisive moment of the game. Iddamalgoda added the final conversion before Air Force held off a late Army counterattack.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Shashika Fernando (Air Force SC)
With more action on the horizon, defending champions Kandy Sports Club will take the field for the first time this season after receiving a bye in the opening week, while CH & FC sit out this weekend with their scheduled bye.
The upcoming fixtures are as follows:
- Army Sports Club vs CR & FC – Panagoda
- Police Sports Club vs Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club – Police Park
- Navy Sports Club vs Kandy Sports Club – Welisara
- Siri Lions Sports Club vs Havelocks Sports Club – Havelock Park
All matches are scheduled for kick-off at 3.45 PM.
