An important fixture for the visitors Air Force Sports Club to qualify for the top four of the Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League was held on the 10th January 2025 at Longdon Place, against the win-less Siri Lions SC. The Airmen powered through to win the game 39 – 18.
The game got off to a flyer, with overseas talent Afa Sua going over for a try for the visitors Air Force SC. A well structured attack from the Air men opened the door for Sua to pick and go from 5 meters out. The conversion was not successful. (Air Force 05 – 00 Siri Lions)
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Air Force were penalised in their own half on multiple occasions. Siri Lions opted for goal and Nadun Kaveesha duly complied to get their first points of the game. (Air Force 05 – 03 Siri Lions)
The Siri Lions were quick to reply with a try of their own. A good expansive style of play from Siri Lions allowed Nadun Kaveesha to go over for their first try of the game after a TMO referral. The kick was no good as the Siri Lions took the lead for the first time in the game. (Air Force 05 – 08 Siri Lions)
After a well set maul, Air Force launched an attack with their backs, opening up a gap outwide for wing three quarter Arosha Rathnayake. The kick did not go through as the Air Men took back the lead. (Air Force 10 – 08 Siri Lions)
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The game then took a turn. The Siri Lions lock Denuwan Silva was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle.
Air Force made best use of the extra man in the pack, to score a try off a rolling maul. Shamika Kaushan was the beneficiary of the forwards’ good work. Gayantha Iddamalgoda added the 2 points to extend their lead.
Half Time – Air Force 17 (3T, 1C) vs Siri Lions 08 (1T, 1P)
Just a few minutes after the crossover, Air Force got over the try once again. Shamika Kaushan got his second of the day. The conversion was not successful from Iddamalgoda. (Air Force 22 – 08 Siri Lions)
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Kaushan meant business today. He wasted no time in going over for another try, to complete his hat-trick for the game. This time the score came off open play, as he busted a few tackles to dot the ball down. Iddamalgoda missed the kick. (Air Force 27 – 08 Siri Lions)
The Siri Lions needed to score, and needed to score fast. Praneeth Silva was quick to pounce on the lazy Air Force defense who was tracking back after conceding a penalty, as he went over for a much needed try for the Lions. (Air Force 27 – 13 Siri Lions)
Air Force were back on the score sheet once again. This time it was the forwards that did the hard yards, before Ishara Madushan switched the point of attack, to snipe through the Siri Lions defense. The kick was not good as Air Force restored their lead. (Air Force 32 – 13 Siri Lions)
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Next, it was Samoan Afa Sua who made a clean break before popping the ball up for Vishal Akalanka to score a try for Air Force. The kick was good this time. (Air Force 39 – 13 Siri Lions)
The Siri Lions got their consolation try through their foreign player Jona Sadravesi who intercepted a pass before sprinting 50m to score. The conversion went astray, as Air Force convincingly managed to beat the Siri Lions, despite a late comeback.
Full Time – Siri Lions SC 18 (3T,1P) vs Air Force SC 39 (7T,2C)
- Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match – Shamika Kaushan (AFSC)
Points Breakdown
Air Force
Shamika Kaushan (3T), Afa Sua (1T), Vishal Akalanka (1T), Ishara Madushan (1T), Arosha Rathnayake (1T), Gayantha Iddamalgoda (1C)
Siri Lions
Jona Sadravesi 1T, Praneeth Silva 1T, Nadun Kaveesha 1T 1P
