Navy and Police win with bonus point

Monday, 9 February 2015 00:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel Defending champions Navy Sports Club and the revamped Police Sports Club scored convincing bonus point win over Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Army respectively in their inter club rugby encounter during the weekend. These were the only two matches played with CH&FC and Hambantota Sharks both pulling out of inter club rugby. Navy after being beaten by Havies in their own den bounced back after a close first half. Sailors settled down to plan tries at will end with a 40/21 win with six try blitz. Air Force played well in the first half but failed to continue their good work in the later half. Navy after a close call in the first half with one point lead (21/20) re-grouped and played well. With Sri Lanka rugby needing more good referees, the ongoing league saw one of the former top class referee national fly half Nizam Jamaldeen controlling the game well. Spirited Police SC overcame the soldiers 27/18 after settling down later in the first half. For the cops, their Fijian Apasi Nagativa had a grand game. He was all over the Army players being able not only to score three tries but was also a major threat in his ghosting moves which was regular.

With this win Police are all out to bounce back to the top four in the league which will be very vital for the next tournament to follow - the Clifford Cup Knockout. Meanwhile, the disciplinary committee of the governing body Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) barred two officials from the Navy SC from getting involved till the league is over. The second inquiry on Irshard Carder refereeing against CR&FC against Kandy and his complaint to the governing body decision will be taken this week. According to reliable source Kandy SC has sent the video evidence of the referee to the SLRFU. Later this week there will be three games down for a decision with the Havies vs Army encounter taking place on February 13 at the Havelock Park. On the following day CR&FC will host Navy SC. That game should be a close call with the Longdon Place club under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Imthisam Marrikar doing well to level scores against the high riding Kandy SC last week. On Sunday Kandy SC fans will see rugby at Nittawela in the club competition after a lapse of two months when they host the Sri Lanka Air Force.