Police vs Navy: Tweedledum and Tweedledee
There is a difference though. A look at the statistics shows the Police in a slightly more favourable light. They won twice in the second round, while their opponents won only once. They met a few days back and the law-enforcers triumphed 27-16. On this evidence Udara Suriyapperuma’s team should win and enter the plate final.
Away from the spotlight, which has been grabbed by the elite teams (CH, CR, Kandy, Havelocks), the Police has played some very good rugby. One recalls that they enjoyed a stupendous first half against the Havies. They led 26-0, but contrived to lose a tactical battle 31-26.
They also thrilled the spectators with a superb burst of scoring against the Army, and held on to win that game 41-19.
The Police possess a heavy, bustling pack in which hooker Rasith Silva, tight-lead prop Danushka Edirisuriya, lock Mohan Wimalaratne and Shanaka Harischandra (the number eight) have worked hard to put the side in advantageous positions.
The halves combination of Suranga Kasun and Yohan Pieris has been adequate without being brilliant. Centre Iroshan Silva has proved to be quite a handful to opposing defences. The undoubted star is Sachith Silva – a versatile player, he fits the bill as winger or full back. He takes the kicks as well.
The small-made Fijian Emosi Vunivosa has had a terrific impact on their performance, from the time he was recalled to the squad.
The Police have the ability to launch speedy attacks on the counter. Those sweeping moves have very often produced tries.
The Navy, under the leadership of full back Tilina Weerasinghe, have had a season they would like to forget. Six losses in seven games give an indication of that bleakness and disappointment. “Something seems to be rotten in the state of Denmark”, to quote the Bard. Navy’s think-tank could probably put their finger on the spot. But that will have to await the next tournament, or even the next season.
The Navy would do well to dwell on the games against the CH and CR. They gave the CH an intense working over before succumbing by three points. The CR game was also lost by the some margin. Those results show that the Navy team is capable of far better performances if only they address their minds to the task at hand.
The nature of this tournament is such that, if there is a turn around in their fortunes, the Navy could go all the way. After all, there are only two games to be played.
Chathura Seneviratne has stepped up to the plate as the place-kicker. Charith Silva has done well with his bustling play. Other forwards such as Kasun de Silva, Amith Gunasinghe, Dinusha Chathuranga and Adeesha Weeratunga have to rise to the challenge.
Winger Buddima Piyaratne tries to Zigzag his way through, at speed. The best of this National player has not been seen. Mushin Faleel is another who can contribute to a more meaningful performance by his team.
Having beaten their opponents at Welisara a few days back, the Police must be quite confident of doing it again on their home turf.