Week 10 of the Maliban Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2025/26 delivered another compelling round of action, with teams beginning to sharpen their focus as the first round nears its conclusion. While CR & FC completed their first-round fixtures and earned a well-deserved rest week ahead, the remaining contenders continued to jostle for position with commanding performances, forward-dominated contests, and crucial bonus-point victories. From Police’s home triumph to Kandy’s strong response at Nittawela and emphatic wins for CH & FC, the weekend underlined the growing intensity of the league.
Bonus-Point Win Caps Strong Round for CR & FC
Full Time: CR & FC 38 (6T, 4C) – Air Force SC 05 (1T)
CR & FC capped off their first-round campaign with a polished 38–5 victory over Air Force Sports Club at Longden Place. Building on their momentum from last week, the hosts controlled possession and territory, with Chemod Muthunayake opening the scoring early before Saufa Billivanua crossed twice off a dominant rolling maul. Mursheed Zubair was near flawless with the boot, ensuring CR & FC kept the scoreboard ticking.
- Kaliova leads Police SC to a successful raid on Soldiers at Police Park
- Kandy Get Back on Track with Hard-Fought Win Over Havelocks
- Clinical CR & FC brush aside Air Force
- CR & FC conquer Nittawela as Week 09 shakes up the title race
Air Force briefly threatened through Shamika Kawshan, but CR’s defensive organisation and counter-attacking prowess proved decisive. Naveen Manasinghe’s powerful late try highlighted the Red Shirts’ ability to strike from anywhere on the field, as they wrapped up their first-round fixtures firmly placed at the top end of the standings.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Abdul Ahamed (CR & FC)
Police Power and Precision Too Much for Army
Full Time: Police SC 30 (5T, 1C, 1P) – Army SC 10 (2T)
Police Sports Club produced a composed and physically dominant performance to record a 30–10 victory over Army Sports Club at Police Park. The hosts laid the platform through their powerful forward carries and intelligent use of the set-piece, with their newly recruited Fijian Kaliova Mocetadra making an immediate impact. Tries from Heshan Kalhara and Sameera Jayasinghe helped Police establish control in the first half, while Mosetadra’s direct running repeatedly dented the Army defence.
Army showed flashes of resistance through Sudharaka Dikkumbura and Prasanna Jayathunga, but discipline and missed opportunities proved costly. In the second half, Police tightened their grip on the contest, adding further tries through Sujan Kodithuwakku to seal a bonus-point win and underline their growing confidence at home.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Kaliova Mocetadra (Police SC)
CH & FC storm back with nine-try rout of Siri Lions
Full Time: Siri Lions SC 12 (2T, 1C) – CH & FC 59 (9T, 7C)
CH & FC delivered a commanding forward-driven performance to dismantle Siri Lions 59–12 at Longden Place. The visitors established early control through Oshan Gunaratne and built momentum with a relentless rolling maul, as Gimhana Silva and Prasath Madushanka crossed repeatedly. Abdul Haadhi’s accuracy off the tee ensured CH & FC capitalised fully on their dominance.
Siri Lions found brief relief through Nizran Nillar and Sachin Aruldas, but the contest remained one-sided as CH & FC’s forwards and backline combined seamlessly. Late tries from Kavindu Yasas and Koli Tamanikalu completed a comprehensive display and secured a vital result as the league heads into its final first-round fixtures.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Gimhana Silva (CH & FC)
Defending Champions Regain Momentum at Home
Full Time: Kandy SC 36 (6T, 3C) – Havelocks SC 26 (4T, 3C)
Defending champions Kandy Sports Club responded emphatically to last week’s setback with a hard-fought 36–26 victory over Havelocks Sports Club at Nittawela. The hosts struck early through Heshan Jansen and winger Dinal Ekanayake, using width and tempo to unsettle the visitors. Havelocks rallied through Abdullah Faiz and Amituanai Visesio, keeping the contest alive with strong phase play.
The second half developed into a tense battle as Havelocks closed the gap, but Kandy’s experience told in the crucial moments. Tries from Dilshan Fareed and skipper Srinath Sooriyabandara restored control, while Hirusha Sampath’s late finish ensured the champions secured maximum points and reaffirmed their title credentials.
Swisstek Perfect Player of the Match: Dinal Ekanayake (Kandy SC)
The upcoming Week 11 fixtures as follows:
- Police Sports Club vs Havelock Sports Club– Police Park (23 Jan)
- Sri Lanka Army vs Kandy Sports Club – Panagoda (24 Jan)
- CH & FC vs Air Force Sports Club – Race Course (24 Jan)
- Siri Lions Sports Club vs Navy Sports Club– Longden Place (25 Jan)
All other matches are scheduled for kick-off at 3.45 PM.
