Colombo, Mar 5, 8PM – Police Sports Club triumphed with an impressive performance, defeating the defending champions and ‘A’ Division League Champions, CR and FC by 40-16 in the Nippon Paint Clifford Cup Knockout Tournament first semi-final match played at the Racecourse grounds in Colombo after leading 23-16 at halftime.
Switching from their traditional blue jerseys to white, the Police team displayed remarkable teamwork throughout the game. They secured three goals, two tries, two penalties, and a drop goal, while CR and FC managed two tries and two penalties. Prince Chamara of Police SC was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution to the team.
The match began with CR and FC taking the lead with Manelka Ruberu’s accurate 22-meter penalty kick in the third minute, making the score 3-0. However, Police SC quickly responded as their big prop, Hafiz Thabeeth, powered through to score a try near the post in the fifth minute, putting Police ahead 5-3, although the conversion was missed.
Prince Chamara extended Police’s lead with a magnificent 50-meter penalty kick in the eighth minute, bringing the score to 8-3. CR and FC narrowed the gap with Menelka Ruberu’s 40-meter penalty kick, making it 8-6 in the twelfth minute.
Police SC’s former Wesleyite player, Shane Hopwood, scored an unconverted try in the 26th minute, increasing their lead to 13-6. However, CR and FC fought back with a brilliant try by Thenuka Nanayakkara in the 29th minute, closing the gap to 11-13.
In the 32nd minute, former captain Shanaka Harishchandra scored a crucial try for Police SC, with Prince Chamara adding the extra points through his kicking skills, giving Police a 20-11 lead. CR and FC’s young hooker, Venura Kodagoda, managed to score a try in the left corner in the 38th minute, bringing the score to 20-16, with CR missing the conversion.
As halftime approached, Prince Chamara secured another 22-meter penalty kick, leading Police SC to a 23-16 advantage at halftime.
In the second half of the intense rugby match, Police Sports Club continued their dominance over CR and FC, showcasing superb teamwork and skill. In the 50th minute, Shane Hopwood and winger Sachith Silva teamed up for Police SC, with Silva’s brilliant run evading tackles to touch down around the posts for a converted try, extending Police SC’s lead to 30-16.
As the game entered its final quarter, coach Dushanth Lewke’s Red Shirts faced a tough challenge, while Police SC aimed to control the game tactically, focusing on territorial advantage.
Prince Chamara demonstrated his kicking prowess by securing a beloved drop goal from 25 meters away in the 72nd minute, earning three crucial points for Police SC, who led 33-16. The Police SC forwards displayed exceptional teamwork, thwarting the Red Shirts’ attempts to gain momentum.
In the closing minutes of the match, Sachith Silva once again displayed his skill by running and touching down mid-right, extending Police SC’s lead to 40-16 after Navin Kanishka’s conversion. With the final whistle blown by Referee Gihan Yatawara, Police SC, the Plate Champions, stunned the Cup Champions, CR and FC.
The victorious Police SC team now advances to the final match on March 9th, Saturday, at the Racecourse grounds in Colombo, where they will face the winners of today’s second semi-final between Havelock Sports and CH and FC. The stage is set for an exciting showdown as Police SC aims for Clifford Cup Championship glory, Sri Lanka’s oldest club rugby tournament.