Sri Lanka Army managed to overcome a stiff challenge from Police SC in their Dialog Rugby League 2017/2018 fixture worked off at Air Force grounds this evening. Army scored 32 points and Police could score only 18 points at the end of the final whistle. At half time game was evenly poised at 8 points each but a superlative second half from the Soldiers meant that they take home a bonus point victory.
The weather and ground conditions were a perfect fit for a fast open game as the visitors had the early possession for the first few minutes but was unable convert that possession in to points as the Army defense was spot on with their game plan. They managed to score from their first attempt at an attacking move when Ashan Bandara dummied the Police defender and found space to open the scoring. Gayan Salinda missed this easy conversion under the sticks. (Army 05 – 00 Police)
Army dominated the possession as Police leaked penalties at regular intervals gifting the Soldiers three kickable penalties of which Salinda, wrestling the heavy wind at Ratmalana managed only one. (Army 08 – 00 Police)
Police finally got their act together as a pre-planned move was well executed from a five meter scrum. No 08 Sajith Seram made a solid break, made short pass to Suranga Kasun who offloaded to Wajid Fawmy whofound ample space to touch down. Kick from Jayawickrama hit the left upright and was not successful. (Army 08 – 05 Police)
Police forwards tried their best to score before the half time but Army defense was superlative and finally Police had to settle for a penalty kick which Jayawickrama bisected to equalize the game at the break.
Half Time – Army SC 08 (1T, 1P) – 08 (1T, 1P) Police SC
Gayan Salinda received a penalty kick straight away from the kickoff which he managed to convert to points as the soldiers got an early lead in the second half. Police hit back straight away as the forwards kept the ball with them for a few phases and finally opted to go for line with Sujan Kodithuwakku scoring in the corner. Conversion from Jayawickrama was off target. (Army 11 – 13 Police)
Army had a set back with their experienced campaigner Asoka Jayalal receiving a yellow card for foul play, with Police continuing their domination in the breakdown. They used their backs to spread the ball to corner as Sameera Bulathsinhalage intercepted a short pass and made a 50m dash to score under post. Salinda added the extras. Army increased their lead when Sugath Nanayakkara powered himself over the Police defenders when he received ball from a ruck. Salinda was spot on with his kick. (Army 25- 13 Police)
Sugath Nanayakkara was the second player obtain a rest for ten minutes in the bin for collapsing a maul as Police took maximum out of the numerical advantage scoring through another rolling maul to reduce the gap as Wajid Fawmy went over from the back of the maul . Zaid Singhawansa missed the conversion from a difficult angle. (Army 25 – 18 Police)
Army managed to score a bonus point try just before the final whistle as Sampath Kumara went over to in the final play to secure third victory in this season. Salinda added the extras.
Full Time – Army SC 32 (4T, 2C, 2P) – 18 (3T, 1P) Police SC
Match Referee Irshad Cader
ThePapare.com player of the match – Ashan Bandara (Army SC)
ThePapare.com player of the match Ashan Bandara expressed his thoughts about the game “very happy about the performance today from our team we lost the last game cause of a few mistakes and we rectified those mistakes during the practice sessions this week and we played according the game plan we managed to score and get the expected result we wanted”
The Score Breakdown
Army SC 32 (08) 4T, 3C, 2P
Tries: Ashan Bandara, Sugath Nanayakkara, Sameera Bulathsinhalage & Sampath Kumara
Conversions: Gayan Salinda (3)
Penalties: Gayan Salinda (2)
Bookings (Yellow cards): Sugath Nanayakkara, Asoka JayalalPolice SC 18 (08) 3T, 1P
Tries: Wajid Fawmy (2), Sujan Kodithuwakku
Penalties: Sandesh Jayawickrama
