Army Sports Club claimed their second victory in this season, overcoming the struggling Sri Lions 32-15 in their third-week fixture of the Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 at Panagoda.
Both teams, coming off heavy defeats the previous week, were determined to bounce back and secure a win as Army kicked off the game. In the 4th minute, Army had an opportunity to open the scoring with a penalty, but Isuru Medagedara’s kick fell short of the target.
>>CH & FC hold off Police to secure first win of the Season<<
Army maintained their slow, forward-dominated approach, employing pick-and-drive plays to inch closer to the try line. Despite knocking the ball on just meters out, they regained possession from the ensuing scrum. No. 8 Dulaj Nawodya attempted a break but was pressured into a turnover. Army regrouped and continued their phase play, drawing numerous defenders into the breakdown. Scrum-half Wasantha Kumarasinghe then delivered a sharp pass to center Dhanushka Thalwatta, who outplayed his opposite number, Dinuk Amarasinghe, in a one-on-one to score the opening try. Fullback Isuru Medagedara slotted the conversion to add the extras. (Army 07 – 00 Sri Lions)
>>Kandy’s rampant performance downs Army <<
Army stuck to their game plan, relying on their forwards to apply constant pressure. Their persistence paid off when they earned a penalty at the breakdown, and fullback Isuru Medagedara confidently slotted it over to extend their lead. (Army 10 – 00 Sri Lions)
>>Havelocks triumph over Air Force<<
After 33 minutes of relentless defending, the Sri Lions finally got their opportunity to attack from a scrum. No. 8 Dulaj Nawodya made a strong break and offloaded to scrum-half Raveen Fernando, who delivered a perfectly timed pass to Kaveesha Iduranga. Iduranga broke through two defenders but was tackled just inches from the try line. Showing great awareness, he popped the ball to the supporting Aiden Fernando, who powered over to score. (Army 10 – 05 Sri Lions)
>>CH & FC hold off Police to secure first win of the Season<<
Army had another opportunity to extend their lead through a penalty, but Medagedara’s kick missed the target. In the final play of the first half, Chanaka Chandimal launched a long clearing kick, which Army center Prasanna Jayathunga mishandled. Winger Kaveesha Iduranga seized the loose ball, kicking it forward and regathering it just in time to touch down for a try. The teams went into the break locked in a 10-10 deadlock.
Half Time: Army SC 10 (1T, 1C, 1P) – Sri Lions 10 (2T)
The hosts came out strong in the second half, with center Dhanushka Thalwatta once again outmaneuvering his opposite number, Dinuk Amarasinghe. Thalwatta broke free, exploiting gaps in the Sri Lions’ defense, and showcased a brilliant sidestep to outpace winger Kaveesha Iduranga before crossing over for a well-deserved try. Isuru Medagedara made no mistake with the conversion, splitting the uprights to add the extra two points. (Army 17 – 10 Sri Lions)
Sri Lions found themselves trapped in their own half, struggling to break free from Army’s relentless defensive pressure. Army capitalized on this dominance by launching another attacking move, starting with a successful lineout steal. The backs quickly moved the ball to their X-factor player, Sudharaka Dikkumbura, who spotted a small gap in the defense. With a powerful fend-off and a burst of pace, Dikkumbura sliced through the Sri Lions’ defenders to score the third try of the game. Isuru Medagedara added the conversion, further extending Army’s lead. (Army 24 – 10 Sri Lions)
The Sri Lions continued to struggle as their game plan fell apart, unable to effectively exit their own half. Persistent issues at the breakdown led to repeated penalties, allowing Army to maintain control. Capitalizing on these errors, Isuru Medagedara stepped up once again and confidently slotted a three-pointer to extend Army’s lead further. (Army 27 – 10 Sri Lions)
In the dying moments, the Sri Lions managed to score a consolation try, utilizing their forwards. Denuwan Silva’s outstretched hand was enough to power over the line and touch down for the visitors. However, Army responded swiftly, turning over the ball from a ruck. Manoj Kumara capitalized on the opportunity, going over for the bonus-point try as Army clinched their second win of the season.
Full Time: Army SC 32 (4T,3C,2P) – Sri Lions 15 (3T)
Player of the Match: Isuru Medagedara (Army SC)
Points Breakdown
Army SC 32
Dhanushka Thalwatta 2T, Sudharaka Dikkumbura 1T, Manoj Kumara 1T, Isuru Medagedara 3C,2P
Sri Lions 15
Aiden Fernando 1T, Kaveesha Iduranga 1T, Denuwan Silva 1T
