Police Sports Club dominated the Sri Lions in a one-sided affair, cruising to a commanding 39-12 victory in their Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 clash at Air Force Grounds, Ratmalana.
The Sri Lions, after playing the first round games on the road, finally hosted their first home game, welcoming Police Sports Club for the reverse fixture of last weekend to kick off their Plate segment campaign.
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The visitors wasted no time asserting themselves, with their forwards piling on the pressure before Deshan Fernando broke through the Sri Lions’ defense for the opening try. Yohan Peiris made no mistake from the tee, adding the extras. (Sri Lions 00-07 Police)
The Sri Lions responded immediately as Denuwan Silva crossed the line to score the home team’s opening try, cutting the deficit to just two points. However, moments later, an unnecessary penalty conceded by Sri Lions allowed Peiris to extend Police’s lead with a well-struck kick. (Sri Lions 05-10 Police)
The momentum then shifted toward the Sri Lions, as No. 8 Dulaj Nawodya took a quick tap and charged forward before delivering a perfectly timed pass to stand-in skipper Dushmantha Priyadarshana, who powered through multiple tacklers to score. Anuradha Silva added the conversion, giving Sri Lions the lead. However, an offside penalty just minutes later allowed Peiris to reclaim the advantage for Police with another successful kick. (Sri Lions 12-13 Police)
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Police maintained their attacking intent, taking a bold approach by opting for a scrum in front of the posts instead of a penalty kick. Spreading the ball wide, they sent winger Sujan Kodituwakku charging toward the try line, only to be stopped inches short. Quick recycling from scrum-half Sehandu Costa set up playmaker Yohan Peiris, who powered over from close range for Police’s second try. (Sri Lions 12-18 Police)
Half Time: Sri Lions 12 (2T,1C) – Police SC 18 (2T,1C,2P)
The visitors had a shaky start to the second half, losing two players in quick succession. First, Deshan Fernando was sent to the bin for a high shoulder charge, followed by Prince Chamara for a reckless high tackle. Despite being down to 13 men, the Police defence held firm, preventing the Sri Lions from capitalising on their numerical advantage. Once back to full strength, Police struck again, this time through a rolling maul, with Shanaka Harishchandra sniping over from the back. Yohan Peiris added the extras with a well-taken conversion. (Sri Lions 12-25 Police)
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Discipline was an issue for both sides, as the Sri Lions prop Ranithu Ridmal was shown a yellow card for a reckless high shot, followed by Chamath Iroshan of Police receiving the same punishment for a similar offence.
Police continued to pile on the pressure, capitalising on a Sri Lions handling error from a kick-and-chase. From the resulting scrum, No. 8 Vihanga Pavithura powered through multiple defenders to score, with Peiris once again adding the conversion. (Sri Lions 12-32 Police)
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Police finished the game in dominant fashion, with their forwards applying relentless pressure in the closing stages. After a few well-structured phases, Vihanga Shaveen bulldozed over from close range to seal the victory, as Peiris wrapped up his stellar performance with another successful kick.
Full Time: Sri Lions 12 (2T,1C) – Police SC 39 (5T,4C,2P)
Player of the Match: Yohan Peiris (Police SC)
Points Breakdown
Sri Lions 12
Dushmantha Priyadarshana 1T, Denuwan Silva 1T, Anuradha Silva 1C
Police SC 39
Deshan Fernando 1T, Shanaka Harishchandra 1T, Vihanga Pavithura 1T, Vihanga Shaveen 1T, Yohan Peiris 1T, 4C, 2P
