Police SC continued their dominance over league newcomers Sri Lions, securing a convincing 39-12 win in their Plate Segment clash of the SLC-MasterCard Club Rugby League at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana. Despite Sri Lions briefly holding a slender 12-10 lead in the first half, Police SC’s superior experience and resilience powered them to a decisive victory, marking their second win over the debutants in the tournament.
Early Momentum and Tight First Half
The game kicked off with Police SC setting the pace as hooker Deshan Fernando crossed the line in the 4th minute, followed by a successful conversion from flyhalf Yohan Peiris to give them a 7-0 lead. However, Sri Lions responded quickly when lock Denuwan Silva powered through the defense for an unconverted try in the 7th minute, bringing the score to 7-5.
Just two minutes later, Peiris extended Police SC’s lead with a penalty kick, making it 10-5. Sri Lions, refusing to be outdone, struck back with a powerful run from prop Dushmantha Priyadarshana, bulldozing through the Police defense for a crucial try. Scrumhalf Anuradha Silva successfully added the extras, propelling Sri Lions into the lead at 12-10 in the 16th minute.
Police quickly regained control with another penalty conversion from Peiris in the 20th minute, edging ahead 13-12. A brilliant solo effort from Peiris in the 30th minute saw him touch down for another try, though it remained unconverted. Police entered halftime with a narrow 18-12 advantage, leaving the game wide open.
Police SC’s Second-Half Dominance
The second half saw Police SC step up their performance despite facing setbacks. Hooker Deshan Fernando and center Prince Chamara were both sin-binned in quick succession, reducing Police to 13 men by the 48th minute. This presented a golden opportunity for Sri Lions, but their inability to capitalize on the numerical advantage proved costly. Police’s defense held firm, frustrating Sri Lions’ attempts to breach their line.
By the 59th minute, with their full squad restored, Police SC seized control. Scrumhalf Shehandu Costa added to their tally with a well-executed try in the 61st minute, and with Peiris’ precise conversion, the scoreline widened to 25-12.
Sri Lions’ troubles deepened when forward Faizer Abdullah was shown a yellow card in the 65th minute, reducing them to 14 players. Police SC wasted no time exploiting the advantage, with No.8 Vihanga Pivithuru diving over in the 70th minute. Peiris’ reliable boot made it 32-12.
The final moments of the game sealed Sri Lions’ fate, as Pivithuru crossed the line once more in the 77th minute, with Peiris adding the finishing touches to complete a dominant 39-12 win.
A Statement Victory
Police SC’s powerful second-half performance demonstrated their tactical superiority and defensive discipline, further solidifying their place in the Plate Segment. For Sri Lions, their inability to capitalize on key moments, despite holding an early lead and playing against 13 men, served as a learning experience in their debut season.
With this commanding win, Police SC have reaffirmed their status as strong contenders in the tournament, sending a clear message to the rest of the competition.
