CR & FC put on a clinical first-half show in their outing against Air Force, defeating the visitors 29 (5T 2C) to 05 (1T), to kick off the third week of action of the Club Rugby League 2023/24.
The hosts, with 6 changes got off to a dream start, scoring two minutes into the game as winger Gemunu Chethiya slid through to pounce on a grubber by Fullback Kushan Tharindu to dot down. Yasas Kavindu failed with the extras from wide out. (CR 05-00 AF)
Air Force failed to find a foothold in the game as the hosts battled the conditions, adjusting swiftly.
Tries at regular intervals meant the Air Force failed to raise their head on a wet, soggy evening.
Photos – CR & FC vs Air Force SC | Nippon Paint Rugby League 2023/24 – Week 3
Lasindu Karunathilake scored a comical try 10 minutes into the game as Air Force made a hash of clearance in goal. The ensuing kick didn’t leave the in-goal area as the Eighth-man dived over the ball to add to his tally of tries at the top.
Air Force were pinned down in their half as the Reds repelled several exits to ensure the visitors were constantly under the pump.
Thenuka Nanayakkara and Randy Silva scored before the end of the first half, putting the hosts in the driver’s seat as Air Force were shell-shocked. A single try was converted in the first half as deteriorating conditions helped neither team.
Half Time: CR & FC 22 (4T 1C) lead Air Force 00
The second half was contrastingly different to the first as the conditions continued to deteriorate, and the game seemed to stall.
Yassas Kavinda was the only try scorer for the home team as Air Force was able to hold in defence; however, their attack failed to spark anything until the 68th minute.
Tireless work-horse Udesh Madushanka scored the only points for the visitors as they managed to get off the mark.
Air Force left empty-handed however, the home team secured maximum points off the game, continuing to pick at the heels of Kandy SC.
Full Time: CR & FC 29 (5T 2C) beat Air Force 05 (1T)
Black Knight Player of the Match: Kavindu De Costa (CR #9)
Points Breakdown:
CR & FC: Gemunu Chethiya 1T, Lasindu Karunathilake 1T, Thenuka Nanayakkara 1T 2C, Randy Silva 1T, Yassas Kavinda 1T
Air Force: Udesh Madushanka 1T
 to 05 (1T), to kick off the third week of action of the Club Rugby League 2023/24. ){kind=link}