Police grounds Air Force for a date with CR

Hirantha Perera of Police SC slings out a pass

Dharshana Dabare of Air Force held by a police player 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Police Sports Club, Plate champions of the league pulled off a hard fought win over Air Force Sports Club by 29 points (4 tries, 3 conversions, 1 drop goal) to 27 points (3 tries, 3 conversions, 1 drop goal, 1 penalty) in their first quarter final of the Clifford Cup knock out 2024 rugby encounter, which took place at Longdon Place yesterday.

At the short breather scores were at 17 each.

Both teams dished out exceptional rugby despite the hot and humid conditions at Longdon Place. Once settled down both teams played their best with territory games at its best. Exchanges were even with both the three quarters working their line at every given opportunity. For Police SC Akash Madushanka, Shane Hopwood, and Hirantha Perera stood out in defence as well in attack splitting the Air Force defence all over with some ghosting moves. Meanwhile for the Air Force it was Gayantha Iddamalgoda and Ishara Madushan who played well.

Shane Hopwood put over a drop goal early in the 5th minute of the game for an early lead for Police but Air Force hit back through Kaveesha Kaluarachchi try in the 11th minute of the game. Pramod Pathmashanka added the extras. A few minutes later Deshan Fernando scored the first Police try and Prince Chamara added the extras to take the lead 10/7 favoring the Cops.

After a few exchanges Gayantha Iddamalgoda penalty levelled the scores at 10 each. But Air Force once again took the lead with their second try scored by Udesh Madushanka. Gayantha Iddamalgoda added the extras. On stroke of half time Police levelled the scores through a beautiful three quarter move initiated by Hirantha Perera ending in Akash Madushanka touching down. Prince Chamara conversion took Cops on equal terms with Air Force at 17 each.

After the turn around Ishara Madushan drop goal took the Air Force into a 3 points lead but the Cops hit back through Shane Hopwood›s try. Once again it was Air Force turn to take the lead this time through their number 8, Shashika Fernando try and Gayantha Iddamalgoda added the extras to take the scores 27/22 favoring the Air Force.

With the game heating up towards the end Police conceded one Yellow card while the Air Force lost two of their players. With the game into the last 10 minutes saw Cops replacement scrum half, Mithun Hapugoda dummied his way to score under the posts for Hopwood to have an easy conversion.

Referee was Ishanka Abeykoon.

Police SC will now lock horns with CR and FC in the first semi-final which will be played off on 5 March at Race Course.