CR & FC’s second-half comeback propels them to a decisive 31-20 victory over defending champions Police SC, in the Mastercard Inter-Club Clifford Cup Knockout Championship 2025 Quarter Final played at Longdon Place.
Defending Clifford Cup champions CR & FC clashed with Police SC in a rematch of last year’s Semi Final, this time battling it out in the third Quarter Final. Thenuka Nanayakkara got proceedings underway as both teams sought to stamp their authority early on.
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The match remained scoreless for the first 13 minutes until the visitors broke the deadlock. Police capitalised on a five-meter lineout, forming a well-structured rolling maul before Heshan Kalhara powered his way over the line. Yohan Peiris coolly slotted the conversion, giving Police an early lead. (CR 00-07 Police)
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Police extended their advantage soon after when CR conceded a penalty for not releasing the tackler. Peiris stepped up and delivered a pinpoint 40-meter kick that sailed through the uprights, stretching their lead further. (CR 00-10 Police)
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However, CR responded in style, showing resilience despite the early setbacks. A tactical kick from Mursheed Doray put Police under pressure, with their scrum-half Premesh Danushka collecting the ball. Rinesh Silva’s well-timed tackle forced a turnover as CR’s forwards executed a perfect counter-ruck. Viduna Amaneth quickly spread the ball to the backs, with Lasindu Karunathilake delivering a clever inside pass to set up Doray for a try. The full back then converted his own score, reducing the deficit. (CR 07-10 Police)
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Just before Half Time, Police added another three points to their tally after CR was penalized for offside. Peiris made no mistake from the tee, sending Police into the break with a six-point cushion.
Half Time: CR & FC 07 (1T,1C) – Police SC 13 (1T,1C,2P)
The hosts began the second half in perfect fashion as Randy Silva executed a clever chip over the Police defense. Viduna Amaratunga chased down a backpedaling Shane Hopwood, dragging the Police fullback over the try line to earn a crucial five-meter scrum. CR’s forwards capitalised on the opportunity, showcasing their dominance by driving the Police pack backward, allowing No. 8 Lasindu Karunathilake to break off from the base and score. Mursheed Doray made no mistake with the conversion, handing CR the lead. (CR 14-13 Police)
Police came close to responding on multiple occasions, but CR’s defense stood resolute, denying them at every turn. Frustration crept in for the visitors as they attempted to launch a counterattack from deep within their 22-meter line. However, their plans backfired when Randy Silva led a determined counter-ruck, forcing a turnover with the support of his teammates. The loose ball landed in the hands of winger Rinesh Silva, who seized the opportunity, bursting past the Police defense to score in the right corner. Doray maintained his flawless kicking record, slotting the conversion to extend CR’s advantage. Moments later, he added another three points from a penalty, punishing Police for a breakdown infringement. (CR 24-13 Police)
With 10 minutes remaining, Police, still hopeful of a comeback, launched a patient attack off a lineout, using their forwards to build momentum through a series of pick-and-goes. Replacement scrum-half Mithun Hapugoda then shifted the ball swiftly to playmaker Prince Chamara, who sent his center, Akash Madushanka, crashing over the line to keep Police in the fight. Yehan Bulathsinghala added the extras, keeping the game within reach. (CR 24-20 Police)
However, it was the Longdon Place outfit who had the final say. From a 10-meter scrum, CR’s backs displayed exquisite handling, quickly shifting the ball from right to left. Winger Chemod Muthunayake carried it close to the five-meter line before Viduna Amaratunga recycled possession rapidly. Spotting a gap in the defensive line, Doray fended off the last defender to dive over for his second try, sealing the victory and securing CR’s place in the Semi Finals.
Full Time: CR & FC 31 (4T,4C,1P) – Police SC 20 (2T,2C,2P)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Mursheed Doray (CR & FC)
Points Breakdown
CR & FC 31
Lasindu Karunathilake 1T, Rinesh Silva 1T, Mursheed Doray 2T,4C,1P
Police SC 20
Heshan Kalhara 1T, Akash Madushanka 1T, Yohan Peiris 2P,1C, Yehan Bulathsinghala 1C
