Navy SC managed to end their 2017/18 season on a high note, beating Air Force SC 50 points to 28 in Ratmalana earlier today.
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The game kicked off in breezy conditions in Ratmalana, with the first ten minutes of the game favouring the Sailors. Showing dominance and pace, the Sailors were able to draw first blood in the 5th minute when star forward, Dulanjana Wijesinghe crossed the line to score Navy’s first try. Thilina Weerasinghe failed to add the extras. (AFSC 0-5 NSC)
However, tables turned in the next ten minutes of the game, as the Airmen took the lead for the first time. After a scintillating run in the far corner, beating four defenders, Kaushal Manupriya scored a fabulous try under the post to open the scoring for Air Force. Charith Senavirathna added the extra two along with another three pointer seven minutes later. (AFSC 10 – 5 NSC)
Not letting Air Force take the upper hand, the Sailors struck back in the 24th and 35th minutes, scoring two brilliant tries. It was the Navy fly-half, Mohomed Abzal, who stood out on both occasions. Stepping his way over the try line after taking a quick tap, the young fly-half managed to touch down beside the post for Navy’s second try. Perfecting the art of ‘show and go’, he once again made a dashing run foxing four Airmen, gaining over 40 meters and creating the momentum which led to his team’s third try. Abzal did the basics by offloading to the former Isipathana fullback, Gayan Wickramarathna, who sprinted his way over to the try line but made one final pass standing under the post, allowing top point-scorer Thilina Weerasinghe to add another seven points to his total. (AFSC 10-19 NSC)
As the half-time approached, both teams managed to add points to their totals before lemons. Charith Senavirathna contributed six points for his side while Thilina Weerasinghe extended the Sailors lead by another three. (HT : NSC lead 22 – 16 ASC)
The second half action began as both teams continued trying to breach their opposition defensive lines. However, despite the Airmen’s storming defence, Navy managed to score tries in quick succession after Air Force hooker Lahiru Udayangakumara was yellow carded. Making maximum out of the numerical advantage, Navy prop forward Kasun De Silva scored two tries in the 62nd and 67th minutes. Thilina Weerasinghe was on top of his game as he added the extras. (AFSC 16-36 NSC)
As the dying moments of the game approached, players changed gears. A sense of urgency was displayed by both teams which resulted in four tries being scored in the last ten minutes. Abzal and Thilina scored their second tries of the day in the 70th and 73rd minutes while Charith Senavirathna and Rumesh Ramadas scored the consolation tries for Air Force in the 75th and 80th minutes of the game. Both Weerasinghe and Senevirathna added the extras for their teams and referee Aaqil Jamaldeen blew the final whistle as Navy ended their run in this league on a high.
Full Time : Air Force SC 28 (3T, 2C, 3P) – 50 (7T, 6C, 1P) Navy SC
ThePapare.com’s Player of the Match: Mohommed Abzal (NSC)
Points Breakdown –Navy SC
Tries : Dulanjana Wijesinghe, Thilina Weerasinghe (2), Kasun De Silva (2), Mohomed Abzal(2).
Conversions: Thilina Weerasinghe (6C, 1P)Points Breakdown –Air Force SC
Tries : Kaushal Manupriya,Rumesh Ramadas, Charith Senavirathna
Conversions : Charith Senavirathna (2C,3P)
