AIR FORCE GROUNDS, Ratmalana, March 27, 2025 (ePRESS) – Plate champions CH and FC produced an excellent performance to crush top-four-ranked Air Force SC 22-10 in the second quarterfinal of the Mastercard Clifford Cup Knockout Rugby Tournament at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana. The Maitland Crescent club, ranked fifth in the league, controlled the contest from the outset, leading 19-10 at halftime before sealing their semifinal berth.
CH and FC outclassed Air Force with a superior forward display, scoring two converted tries, an unconverted try, and a penalty to secure their place in the semifinals. In contrast, the hosts could only muster a solitary converted try and a penalty, falling short against the visitors’ tactical dominance.
With this emphatic victory, CH and FC set up a semifinal clash against unbeaten league champions Kandy SC at Nittawela on Tuesday.
Air Force fullback Pasindu Perera, a former Prince of Wales College skipper, gave the hosts an early lead in the seventh minute when he dived over for the opening try and converted it himself to make it 7-0.
However, CH and FC responded almost immediately. Prop forward Charith Silva powered over from a driving maul for their first try, with fullback Janith Chandimal adding the extras to level the scores at 7-all in the 10th minute.
A crucial moment arrived in the 14th minute when Air Force were reduced to 14 men, but CH and FC missed an opportunity to take the lead as Chandimal failed to convert a penalty.
The visitors capitalized on their forward dominance as hooker Pulasthi Dassanayake crashed over for their second try in the 18th minute. Chandimal slotted in the conversion, pushing CH and FC into a 14-7 lead.
Moments later, Silva completed his brace with a powerful drive in the 27th minute, extending the advantage to 19-7. Unfortunately, the influential prop suffered a shoulder injury in the 34th minute, forcing his replacement by Nisal Chamoditha.
Just before the interval, Air Force managed to reduce the deficit with a penalty from Perera, ensuring a 19-10 scoreline at halftime.
Seven minutes into the second half, Chandimal successfully converted a penalty to extend CH and FC’s lead to 22-10. Despite both teams engaging in a bruising battle for possession, the remainder of the match remained scoreless.
CH and FC’s defence held firm, denying Air Force any further points and ensuring a well-deserved victory. Their well-structured forward play and effective kicking game proved decisive in eliminating a top-four league side.
CH and FC now face the ultimate challenge in the semifinals against league champions Kandy SC at their fortress in Nittawela. Coach Sanath Martis’ men will need to be at their very best to challenge the League title holders. (Picture courtesy: ThePapare)
Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon
