ARMY SC DOWN AIR FORCE SC 29-21
Sri Lanka Army Sports Club produced a splendid performance to register their first victory in the Dialog Inter Club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament when they defeated Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club by 29 points (three goals, one try and one drop goal) to 21 points (three goals) at Air Force Grounds, Ratmalana yesterday. The winners led 19-14 at the breather.
Five minutes into the first half, Air Force SC hooker Lahiru Udayanga scored the first try under the post when he crossed the white-line after latching onto a pass from flanker Rumesh Wasantha. The try was converted by Gayantha Iddamalgoda and Air Force SC led 7-0.
Four minutes later, the Airmen took the lead when they moved the ball wide from right to left where the ball changed several hands and finally locks forward Thilina Bandara dived over for a try near the right corner flag. Gayantha Iddamalgoda made the conversion for Air Force to lead 14-0.
Army SC scored their first points when flanker Upul Abeyrathna dazzled this way past few defenders to score in the 25th minute. Full back Gayan Salinda added the extra points.
Six minute later, Army SC centre Sameera Bulathsinghala scored an unconverted try.
Soon after the break in the 38th minute, Army SC prop forward Dileepa Niroshan crashed through for a cracking try off a rolling maul.
Gayan Salinda slotted in the conversion for Army SC to grab the lead for the first time 19-14 before half time.
In the 10th minute of the second half, Air Force SC second row Thilina Bandara scored a try near the right corner flag. Air Force SC led 21-19.
Three minute later Army SC fly half Ashan Bandara put over a 35 metre drop-goal for them to lead 22-19.
Ashan Bandara then charged down a clearance-kick form Army SC’S Madushan Liyanage to collect and dive over near the right corner flag. Isuru Medagedara converted the try.
In the 79th minute, Air Force SC were handicapped when Referee Isanka Abeykoon sin-binned an Airmen for a dangerous tackle and Army SC went on to register a 29-21 win at the end.