Air Force Sports Club edged out the Sri Lions in a thrilling contest, securing a hard-fought 29-27 victory in their Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 clash at Air Force Grounds, Ratmalana.
Air Force Sports Club, aiming for a Super Round spot, hosted the newcomers Sri Lions in a crucial encounter. Gayantha Iddamalgoda kicked off the game, and the home side made an immediate impact. Opting for touch from an early penalty, they set up a rolling maul where Shamika Kaushan spotted a gap and broke away to dive over in the corner for the opening try. (Air Force 05-00 Sri Lions)
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Sri Lions responded swiftly after Air Force was penalized for offside. Skipper Chanaka Chandimal opted for the three points and calmly slotted the kick to reduce the deficit to just two. Minutes later, the visitors executed a well-structured rolling maul, gaining momentum before Prasad Madusanka was driven over the line by his teammates for their first try. (Air Force 05-08 Sri Lions)
After conceding, the Airmen patiently stuck to their strengths, relying on their dominant rolling maul. Once again, they set up a close-range maul, and Shamika Kaushan darted into the left corner to reclaim the lead. (Air Force 10-08 Sri Lions)
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Just before Half Time, Air Force earned another penalty and stuck to their trusted formula—kicking to touch and forming a maul. This time, it was Nishan Pieris who sniped over from the back of the maul for their third try, while Gayantha Iddamalgoda finally added the extras with a successful conversion.
Half Time: Air Force SC 17 (3T,1C) – Sri Lions 08 (1T,1P)
The Sri Lions re-emerged after the break with renewed firepower and were rewarded almost immediately. After reclaiming possession, their forwards piled on several pick-and-drives before tall flanker Nizran Mohamed powered over from close range to get his side back on the scoreboard. Skipper Chanaka Chandimal added the extras with a well-taken conversion. (Air Force 17-15 Sri Lions)
However, the Sri Lions were soon reduced to fourteen men when Shehan Dias was sent to the bin for a breakdown infringement. Air Force capitalised on the advantage, kicking to the corner and methodically gaining meters toward the try line. The visitors conceded another penalty, allowing the Airmen to set up yet another rolling maul. Hooker Shamika Kaushan crashed over once again, securing his hat-trick and the bonus-point try for the home side. (Air Force 22-15 Sri Lions)
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Sri Lions struck back immediately, refusing to let the Airmen settle. Although they initially held off the rolling maul, Sri Lion’s relentless forward play through pick-and-drives proved too much. Denuwan Silva broke the defensive line, setting up Imanka Ariyapala for a powerful carry that took him over the line for the visitors’ third try. Chandimal added the conversion to level the game. (Air Force 22-22 Sri Lions)
With the match hanging in the balance, Air Force’s forwards stuck to their game plan. Given another penalty, they once again opted for the maul. From a close-range lineout, Nishan Pieris crashed over, and Pramod Padmasanka slotted a difficult conversion to regain the lead. (Air Force 29-22 Sri Lions)
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Sri Lions needed a response and found an opportunity when a throw-in from Dulaj Nawodya was turned over by Air Force. However, with no Airmen players quick enough to collect the loose ball, Nawodya pounced on it and made a brilliant 30-meter dash, setting up a thrilling finish to the game. (Air Force 29-27 Sri Lions)
The Sri Lions had a few opportunities in the dying moments of the game, but Air Force’s solid defence held firm as they clinched a nail-biting victory, edging closer to securing a Super Round spot.
Full Time: Air Force SC 29 (5T,2C) – Sri Lions 27 (4T,2C,1P)
Player of the Match: Shamika Kaushan (Air Force SC)
Points Breakdown
Air Force SC 29
Shamika Kaushan 3T, Nishan Pieris 2T, Gayantha Iddamalgoda 1C, Pramod Padmasanka 1C
Sri Lions 27
Prasad Madusanka 1T, Nizran Mohamed 1T, Imanka Ariyapala 1T, Dulaj Nawodya 1T, Chanaka Chandimal 2C,1P
