Red Shirts secure hard-fought win over Cops

Monday, 27 January 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In a pulsating encounter at Longden Place, CR and FC demonstrated their mettle with a hard fought 40/20 win over the Police SC under lights when they came back strong in front of their home crowd in the last 20 minute of the later half.

It was the Police SC who led 17/14. The victory keeps CR firmly in contention for retaining the league title, but the match revealed cracks that require immediate attention as they march toward the business end of the season as Havies and Kandy encounters come their way. Police SC, known for their unpredictable flair, dominated the opening exchanges. Their forwards set the tone with hard-hitting tackles, while their backs carved gaps in Reds defence. CR drew first blood in the 4th minute of the game through their hooker, Venura Kodagoda. Mursheed Doray added the extra 2 points. Police replied through Vihanga Pavithura’s well-timed try, which was successfully converted by Yehan Bulathsinghala.

Police went ahead through Navin Kanishka drop goal. Udara Sanjula scored next which was goaled by Yehan to take a commanding 17/7 lead. Former Joes player Naveen Marasinghe powered his way for a magnificent solo try under the posts to cut the deficit to 3 points at the short breather. Police could score only 3 points in the later through Yehan penalty while the Red Shirts cut loose in the last 20 minutes of the game by scoring tries through Venura Kodagoda, Chamod Mithunayake, Senal Adikaram and Rinesh Silva. Three of the conversions were successful by Mursheed Doray.

Referee of the game was Arnusha Shantha.