Late burst helps CR into final in close contest against Police

Chatura Seneviratne avoides a Police tackle as he passes the ball 

CR player Raveen de Silva is well held by Hafeez Thabeeth of Police SC

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR and FC pulled off a sensational win courtesy of a late comeback by some intelligent play to take their team through to the Clifford Cup final when they edged out Police Sports Club 23/20 at the Race Course Ground yesterday.

At the short breather it was the Cops who were leading by a solitary point at 10/9 in their favour.

CR drew first blood in the 13th minute of the game through Chatura Seneviratne penalty but Police SC hit back through a similar penalty by Prince Chamara. Dulanjana Wijesinghe scored the only first half try for the Cops with Prince Chamara conversion they took a clear lead at 10/3. The Red Shirts who continued attacking in Police half received two penalties one each converted by Thenuka Nanayakkara and Chatura Seneviratne to narrow the gap by a solitary point.

After the turn around CR played a better brand of rugby but Police too fought till the end. Prince Chamara took Police further ahead through a 30-meter penalty while Dulanjana Wijesinghe who had a grand game touched down for the second time. Prince Chamara added the extras to take the scores favouring the Cops at 20/9. 

CR never panicked they showed their top level of experience in play. Former Science player, Lasindu Ishan scored a magnificent try. Chatura Seneviratne added the extra two points. With five minutes of play left Chatura Seneviratne kicked to touch deep and worked themselves to a dandy try by Amith Gurusinghe. Chatura Seneviratne added the extra two points not only to take the game through with a 23/20 win but also to book their berth for the Grand Final on 5 March. Referee was Raveen Alexander. Today at the same venue Sri Lanka Navy SC will lock horns with Sri Lanka Army SC in the second semi-final encounter.