Second half burst takes Reds through to semis

Saturday, 29 March 2025 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Randy Silva of CR is held by Akash Madushanka of Police CR fly half Thenuka Nanayakkara is held by a Police player

CR 31 points
Police 20 points

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR and FC staged a commanding second-half burst to defeat Police SC 31/20 in the third Clifford Cup quarter-finals at Longdon Place, securing a spot in the semi-finals on 2 April.

At the short breather it was the Cops who led 13/7.

Cops capitalised on early momentum through tries from Heshan Kalhara and two penalties by Yohan Peiris. CR hit back through a solitary try by Mursheed Doray who added the extra 2 points.

After the turn around it was completely different – CR outfit regrouped, demonstrating their championship pedigree. Mursheed Doray was the standout performer, scoring two tries, converting all four team tries, and adding a penalty to his tally. Lasindu Karunathilake and Rinesh Silva also crossed the whitewash, completing a clinical attacking display. Despite a yellow card for Omalka Gunaratne, CR and FC dominated the latter stages, exploiting gaps in the tiring Police defense who were all over the Park lacking fitness. Cops added one more second half try through Akashi Madushanka who displayed top class performances with the conversion put over by Yehan Bulathsinghala Cops could end only with 20 points while conceding 31 points to CR.

With this victory, CR and FC advances to the semi-finals, where they will face either Havelock SC or Army SC. Meanwhile, Police SC’s campaign ends in disappointment, as they fail to make a significant impact in both the league and Clifford Cup this season.

Referee: Raveen Alexander

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