Army Sports Club’s superior first half show helped them get over the line 27-15 against Air Force, in week 12 of the Dialog Rugby League, played out at Army’s adopted home, Welisara.
On a humid sunny evening in Welisara, Army Sports Club was coming off a convincing defeat at the hands of CR & FC while Air Forces’ season’s downward trend continue as they entered the clash following another heavy defeat to Havelock’s.
Army made 5 changes to their run of XV while Air Force made 2 changes as both teams were permitted to field their foreign representatives.
Overseas players return to the Dialog Rugby League
The first 26-minutes brought about 17 out of Army’s 27 points as the home team took the early advantage following kick-off.
Dileepa Niroshan was the first to crash over the Air Force whitewash as the front row forward made amends for Gayan Salinda’s penalty miss minutes before. Returning to the starting line-up, Salinda was quick to shrug off his early miss, knocking over the conversion to add the extras. (Army 07-00 AF)
The home team scored their second try through Rasika Abeynayake, 10-minutes after Salinda slotted over a 3-pointer, punishing Air Force for their indiscipline. Salinda added the extras as Air Force were caught out early on, conceding two tries. (Army 17-00 AF)
Air Force eventually found their feet in surprising fashion following Roduva Kansoo’s yellow card for typical Fijian style indiscipline. Hooker Parakkrama Rathnayake found himself at the tail of a rumbling maul, crashing over the try line to get Air Force off the mark. Gayantha Iddamalgoda’s conversion brushed the outside of the uprights as Air Forces’ score remained at five. (Army 17-5 AF)
Soldiers overpower Air Force to seal their first win
Air Force failed to clear their lines following the score, conceding straight after their first points. Former Vidyartha Center Dhanushka Thalwaththa scored a poachers’ try on the half hour mark. Salinda made no mistake with the extras as Army restored their lead.
Niroshan Rathnayake grabbed one try back for the visitors, however, a mountain was left to climb if they were to grab anything out of this game as the first half drew to a close.
Half Time: Army 24 (3T 3C 1P) lead Air Force 10 (2T)
Air Force got off to a flyer following an ear-full at the break as Parakkrama Rathnayake registered his second of the game. Iddamalgoda had forgotten his kicking boots as he missed his third and final kick at goal and the Army lead was brought down to a single figure. (Army 24-15 AF)
Both teams failed to break the others’ defense, as the game went into melt-down, scoring wise, as play seen was only between the 22-meter lines.
An ugly scuffle broke out, leaving both teams reduced to 14-men as double try scorer Parakkrama Rathnayake was sin binned for Air Force while Sosivita Bolia was sitting next to Rathnayake on the sideline for the next 10 minutes.
Photo Album : Army SC v Air Force SC – Dialog Rugby League 2018/19 | #Match 46
Gayan Salinda slotted over his 5th kick out of the 6, as the home side’s lead was taken back into the double figure range, leaving Air Force with nothing but pride to play for. (Army 27-15 AF)
The eventful nature of the game continued but points were few and far between. Army lock Nalan Premanath saw yellow for a late charge with just two minutes left. Air Force kicked to touch in search of one final groove, however, time ran out on the visitors, leaving Air Force returning home empty handed.
Full Time: Army 27 (3T 3C 2P) beat Air Force 15 (3T)
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Ashan Bandara (Army First five-eighth)
Points Breakdown:
Army – Dileepa Niroshan 1T, Rasika Abeynayake 1T, Dhanushka Thalwaththa 1T, Gayan Salinda 3C, 2P (5 out of 6 successful kicks)
Air Force – Parakkrama Rathnayake 2T, Niroshan Rathnayake 1T, Gayantha Iddamalgoda (0 out of 3 Kicks)
