Police Sports Club edged out Army Sports Club in a tightly contested battle, securing a bonus-point 24-17 victory in their final Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 Plate Segment clash at Police Park. Despite the win, Police finished level on points with CH & FC but fell short of the Plate title on points difference, settling for being runners-up.
The hosts started on the front foot, eager to put points on the board early. They dominated possession, but Army’s defense held firm, denying them an easy path to the try line. However, in the 11th minute, after a series of powerful carries by the Police forwards, tight head prop Hafiz Thabeeth muscled his way over to open the scoring. Yohan Peiris added the extras for a perfect start. (Police 07-00 Army)
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Police continued their forward-driven approach, keeping play tight and forcing Army to defend in close quarters. Despite struggling to break through, they capitalised on an advantage, opting for an attacking scrum. Scrum-half Premesh Danushka exploited the short side, sending winger Shane Hopwood over the line for a well-worked first-phase try. Peiris once again nailed the conversion, extending the lead. (Police 14-00 Army)
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The first half was a tale of two quarters—Police dominated the opening exchanges, while Army gained momentum as the half progressed. Though the visitors struggled to break through Police’s resolute defense, they managed to get on the scoreboard with a penalty from Isuru Madagedara following an offside infringement. Police headed into the break with a comfortable lead.
Half Time: Police SC 14 (2T,2C) – Army SC 03 (1P)
Army came out firing after the break, showing more attacking intent. Ashan Bandara sparked excitement by breaking through the Police defense and spreading the ball wide. However, an intentional knock-on by Shanaka Harischandra halted the attack, earning him a yellow card. Army took a quick tap and launched a series of pick-and-drive attempts. Although a loose pass from Bandara pushed them back, Sudharaka Dikkumbura collected the ball, stepped past two defenders, and dived under the posts untouched. Isuru Madagedara added the conversion, cutting the deficit to just four points. (Police 14-10 Army)
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Both teams created attacking opportunities but struggled to capitalise. Army, playing more in their own half, conceded a crucial penalty for holding on near the 40-meter mark. Police scrum-half Premesh Danushka reacted quickly with a tap-and-go, darting past defenders before releasing winger Sujan Kodituwakku. Spotting space, Kodituwakku chipped the ball over the Army defense, chased it down, and finished brilliantly in the right corner. (Police 19-10 Army)
Army responded immediately through their forwards, who powered through the Police defense with strong carries to gain valuable meters. They followed up with a series of well-structured pick-and-drives, earning a penalty in the process. Taking a quick tap, they surged forward before Mohamed Akram bulldozed past multiple defenders to crash over the line. Gayan Salinda added the conversion, reducing the gap to just two points and setting up a tense finish. (Police 19-17 Army)
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However, Police had the final say. Kicking to the corner, they executed a dominant rolling maul, gaining momentum before Lahiru Thilakarathne crashed over to seal the victory. With this win, Police SC finished as the Plate Segment runners-up, tied on points with CH & FC, but falling short on point difference.
Full Time: Police SC 24 (4T,2C) – Army SC 17 (2T,2C,1P)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Hafiz Thabeeth (Police SC)
Points Breakdown
Police SC 24
Hafiz Thabeeth 1T, Shane Hopwood 1T, Sujan Kodituwakku 1T, Lahiru Thilakarathne 1T, Yohan Peiris 2C
Army SC 17
Sudharaka Dikkumbura 1T, Mohamed Akram 1T, Gayan Salinda 1C, Isuru Madagedara 1C,1P
