Sailors beat Army in a thriller and book final berth with CR

 Musheen Faleel of Navy about to pass the ball

Army SC Centre Lasantha Kumara on a move

By Shamseer Jaleel

Navy Sports Club produced some cohesive rugby later in the second half to draw level against the Soldiers 13/13 at full time before their star place kicker, Thilina Weerasinghe executed a beautiful drop goal 40 meters out to earn them a final spot in the Nippon Paint Inter Club Clifford Cup Knockout semi-final 2 rugby encounter at the Race Course rugby ground yesterday. In the end Navy SC won 16/13.

At the short breather it was the Army who led 7/3.

Both teams took time to settle down with handling errors early in the first half by both the outfits. Navy Sports Club drew first blood through Thilina Weerasinghe penalty. Sailors who re-cycled the ball well and some moves went into more than eight phases but the Soldiers defence stood strong not giving easy space. After several threatening moves Soldiers scored through Chamod Fernando who added the extra 2 points as well.

After the turn around exchanges were even with both teams showing strong legs with some threatening moves. Sailors cut the deficit through Samuel Maduwantha penalty. Two more penalties by Chamod Fernando took Army through to a good lead at 13/6. Navy who never gave up kept on attacking in Army territory through several phases which ended in their nippy scrum half and skipper, Harsha Maduranga touching down. Left footed Isuru Kohangawaththa added the extras to level scores at 13 a piece at full time.

The game going into extra time saw Sailors getting into Army half and after several phases Thilina Weerasinghe was on target with a 40-meter drop goal put over under pressure.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon handled the game well. Navy SC will now meet CR and FC in the grand final which will be played at the same venue on 5 March.