Police Sports Club managed to enter the Semi-Finals of the Dialog Clifford Cup knock-outs 2019, going past the lackluster CR & FC outfit, 28 points to 15 in their quarterfinal game played at the Racecourse stadium.
The first quarterfinal of the Dialog Clifford Cup kicked off today between the 4th and 5th placed teams in the Dialog Rugby League. Police dominated the early proceedings of the evening but couldn’t convert the pressure they put on CR in to points.
In the 13th minute Iroshan Silva managed break through the CR defense line and quick hands by the back line managed to send Sachith Silva over the line to register an early lead for the cops. Janith Chandimal added the extras from a difficult angle.
Few phases later Police were awarded a penalty when CR defense was caught offside as Chandimal slotted in an easy three pointer to increase the lead for Police. (CR 00 – 10 Police)
>>Broken whistles and muddy boots<<
Police was on a roll as their forwards steadily gained important yards and playmaker, Janith Chandimal barged his way through the CR defense and popped a pass to his center Vihanga Pivithuru. This was enough for points as they scored their second try for the cops; Chandimal continued his form with the boot as he bisected the uprights with his conversion (CR 00 – 17 Police).
CR struggled to launch any attacking moves as Police pounced on the mistakes made by the red shirts with Janith Chandimal adding another three points off a perfect kick.
CR finally settled in to the game in a last move of the first half as the CR backs found an overlap and the quick feet of Reeza Rafaideen was too much to handle for the cops, allowing CR to open their account. Tarinda Ratwatte couldn’t add the extras as Police went to into lemons with a healthy lead.
Half Time – CR & FC 05 (1T) – POLICE SC 20 (2T,2C,2P)
CR continued their momentum from the last few minutes of the first half as their forwards took the responsibility and inched closer towards the line with a few pick and drives. It was Supun Waranakulasuriya who went over the line to cut deficit for the Longdon Place outfit (CR 10 – 20 Police).
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CR looked a completely different side from the one that play the first half as their forwards were on a roll. This was a calling for Omalka Gunarathne who powered himself over line from a trademark No 08 break and surprisingly, Tarinda Ratwatte missed his third conversion kick in row. (CR 15 – 20 Police)
Police replied quickly to the CR onslaught when Suranga Kasun took a quick tap and run through the heart of the CR defense to score as the red shirts were caught napping. (CR 15 – 25 Police)
>>Colombo v Outstation origin battle – teams announced!<<
Few phases later Police added an important three points when CR panicked and leaked an unwanted penalty at the breakdown as Janith Chandimal obliged with an easy kick as he took Police towards a memorable victory. Police SC will face Air Force SC in the Semi-Final Encounter.
Full Time – CR & FC 15 (3T) – POLICE SC 28 (3T,2C,3P)
ThePapare.com’s Player of the Match – Janith Chandimal (Police SC)
Match Referee – Jacobus Lodewicus
Breakdown
CR & FC: Tries from Reeza Rafaideen, Supun Waranakulasuriya, Omalka Gunarathne
POLICE SC: Tries from Sachith Silva, Vihanga Pivithuru, Suranga Kasun conversion (2) and penalties (3) by Janith Chandimal
Cautions & Send offs:
CR & FC: Shemal Weerasekara (Yellow)
POLICE SC: Rasith Silva (Yellow)
