Last-Minute Heroics Lift Air Force Over Police

Mastercard Inter-Club Rugby League 2024/25

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Mastercard Inter-Club Rugby League 2024/25

A stunning late comeback by Air Force Sports Club earned them a thrilling 20-19 victory over Police Sports Club in their sixth-week clash of the Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana.

Two teams vying for the coveted fourth spot to qualify for the Cup segment clashed as Yehan Bulathsinghala kicked off for Police. However, it was the home side that made an early statement. In the 8th minute, their forwards laid the groundwork with a rolling maul before executing a series of patient pick-and-drive phases. Big man Shashika Fernando powered through multiple defenders to score under the posts, setting up an easy conversion for Gayantha Iddamalgoda. (Air Force 07-00 Police)

Both teams were temporarily reduced to 14 players as flankers Soorya Dodangoda and Shashika Fernando were sin-binned following an on-field altercation.

Air Force continued to attack, but struggled to turn opportunities into points. A penalty conceded near the 5-meter line gave Police a chance to counter. Taking a bold decision to run from their own try line, Akash Madushanka broke through, advancing play to the 40-meter line. Quick ball distribution by scrum-half Premesh Dhanuka and slick handling from the Police backs sent the ball wide to winger Ramitha Himash, who dashed 60 meters to score under the posts, stunning the home side. Yehan Bulathsinghala added the conversion, leveling the game heading into the break.

Half Time: Air Force SC 07 (1T,1C) – Police SC 07 (1T,1C)

Police started the second half with a bang, launching another brilliant counter-attack. Premesh Dhanushka collected a clearance kick near the halfway line and passed to the experienced Hirantha Fernando, who spotted space in the left corner. Fernando executed a pinpoint cross-kick, perfectly collected by Lahiru Thilakarathne, who ran a sharp line to gather and score under the posts, catching the Air Force defence off guard for the second time. Yehan Bulathsinghala added the valuable extras with a flawless conversion. (Air Force 07-14 Police)

After conceding, Air Force regrouped and launched a series of attacks against the Police defence. Shashika Fernando broke through and came close to scoring, but a fumble near the try line denied him the try. Fortunately for Air Force, they had a penalty advantage and opted to take the points. Gayantha Iddamalgoda calmly slotted the easy kick, reducing the deficit. (Air Force 10-14 Police)

Police seized momentum as the Airmen continued to squander possession. Despite several attempts to capitalise on their lineout moves, the visitors were unable to finish them off. Opting for a scrum after a penalty, Police executed a brilliant play as Hirantha Fernando delivered another pinpoint cross-kick. Sujan Kodituwakku collected it flawlessly and touched down, completing a perfectly executed move for the cops. (Air Force 10-19 Police)

In the 70th minute, the Airmen mounted a strong comeback as Shashika Fernando took a quick tap, breaking through the Police defence to get close to the try line. The move was finished off by prop forward Nirmal Wickramasinghe, who powered his way over, setting up a nail-biting finish to the game.

The final ten minutes saw Air Force dominate as they relentlessly pursued another try. Despite a few failed lineouts, the Airmen capitalized in the dying moments. Shamika Kaushan’s lineout throw was well collected, and a powerful rolling maul ensued. Kaushan sniped over from the back of the maul to score the decisive try, securing a hard-fought victory for the Airmen in this tightly contested clash.

Full Time: Air Force SC 20 (3T,1C,1P) – Police SC 19 (3T,2C)

Player of the Match: Shashika Fernando (Air Force SC)

Points Breakdown

 

Air Force SC 20

Shashika Fernando 1T, Nirmal Wickramasinghe 1T, Shamika Kaushan 1T Gayantha Iddamalgoda 1C,1P

 

Police SC 19

Ramitha Himash 1T, Lahiru Thilakarathne 1T, Sujan Kodituwakku 1T, Yehan Bulathsinghala 2C