Police Sports Club delivered a commanding performance, showcasing attacking dominance in the first half and resilient defense in the second, to secure a hard-fought 25-15 victory over CH & FC in their Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 Plate segment clash at Racecourse Stadium.
CH & FC hosted Police SC in a crucial Plate Segment encounter, with both teams eager to keep their Plate title hopes alive. Yohan Peiris kicked off the game, and it was the home side that struck first after Police conceded a penalty at the breakdown. Kavindu Yasas made no mistake, slotting an easy three-pointer in front of the posts.(CH 03-00 Police)
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Police responded immediately as CH lost possession in a loose play. Hooker Deshan Fernando pounced on the loose ball, made a few meters, and set the platform for the forwards to build momentum. Prince Chamara then sent center Akash Madushanka crashing through the CH defense. Though stopped inches from the line, Chamara was quick to react, picking up the ball from the ruck and diving over the disorganized CH defense for the first try of the game. .(CH 03-05 Police)
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The visitors continued to pile pressure on CH, patiently working through multiple phases. Despite CH’s resilient defense, they couldn’t stop the powerhouse Heshan Kalhara, who bulldozed his way over the line for Police’s second try.(CH 03-10 Police)
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Sensing an opportunity to take full control, Police executed a well-planned move from a five-meter lineout. Opting for a shortened set-piece, Shanaka Harischandra powered through the defense with support from his forwards. After a few more strong carries, tighthead prop Hafiz Thabeeth muscled his way over to further extend Police’s lead. Although Yohan Peiris missed two earlier conversions, he finally found his mark with a stunning kick from the corner, adding more misery for CH.(CH 03-17 Police)
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Needing a response before halftime, CH’s backs stepped up. Pasindu Bandara and skipper Janindu Dilshan combined brilliantly, making deep inroads into Police’s 22. A quick-tap penalty from Dilshan caught the defense off guard, and after being dragged down near the five-meter mark, prop Charith Silva picked up from the ruck and powered over to register CH’s first try. (CH 08-17 Police)
However, Police had the last laugh in the first half. Off a five-meter scrum in the dying minutes, No. 8 Shanaka Harischandra broke off the base and charged towards the try line, only to be stopped just short. Quick hands from scrum-half Premesh Dhanushka found Peiris, who threw a long cut-out pass to winger Sujan Kodithuwakku, allowing him to sprint over for the all-important bonus-point try as Police went into halftime firmly in control.
Half Time: CH & FC 08 (1T,1P) – Police SC 22 (4T,1C)
The home side came out strong in the second half, cutting the deficit with a well-executed attacking move. Their backs made inroads with some slick passing, bringing play close to the 10-meter line. The forwards then took charge with a series of pick-and-drives before scrum-half Harsha Maduranga delivered a well-timed pass to Thanuja Maduranga, who quickly shifted the ball to flanker Devinda Rathnayake. Rathnayake powered over the line for a crucial try, and Kavindu Yasas added the conversion to keep CH within striking distance. (CH 15-22 Police)
Both teams continued to push forward with attacking plays but struggled to convert opportunities into points. In the final 10 minutes, CH came agonizingly close to scoring in the corner, but desperate defence from Police denied them the try. With time running out, a last-gasp penalty from Prince Chamara sealed the win for Police, keeping their Plate Segment title hopes alive.
Full Time: CH & FC 15 (2T,1C,1P) – Police SC 25 (4T,1C,1P)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Hafiz Thabeeth (Police SC)
Points Breakdown
CH & FC 15
Charith Silva 1T, Devinda Ratnayake 1T, Kavindu Yasas 1C,1P
Police SC 25
Heshan Kalhara 1T, Hafiz Thabeeth 1T, Sujan Kodithuwakku 1T, Prince Chamara 1T,1P Yohan Peiris 1C
