Cops down Airmen
Police SC registered their first win in the SLR Inter-Club League Championship 2022, overcoming Air Force SC by 11-3 in a low-scoring game played at the Police Park yesterday. Leading the halftime by 8-0, the Cops raked up their points from an unconverted try and two penalties.
The Airmen, who came up with stupendous performances in their victorious game against CR&FC and a close call of 22-26 over Havelocks, were totally outdone by their opponents. Their only scoring opportunity came at the cost of Police’s own mistake in form of a penalty in the second half. Police, who had played only one game until yesterday, were handsomely defeated by Navy during the second week game with a score of 12-0, and the games against CH&FC and Army were postponed due to COVID-19 issues. They badly needed a win in the seven-game first round, and even against the Airmen a win was uncertain given the strength and capability of their opponent.
But the Cops managed to hold on to their nerves from the first whistle, to gradually turn the game in their favour. The scoring was opened in the 12th minute by flanker Vageesha Weerasinghe, who ran all the way to brace a try, with the conversion going amiss. Winger Sachith Silva, who failed to put over the try from a difficult angle, five minutes later as Police led the halftime 8-0.
Even after the turnaround Police played in the same manner as during the first half to keep the Airmen at bay, but they lost their temperament in the 66th minute, conceding a penalty. Flyhalf Nuwan Perera made sure he put over the only scoring opportunity Air Force received in their favour.
Still, the game didn’t have any impact on the visitors, as flyhalf Yohan Peiris put Police further ahead by three points, putting over a penalty in the 78th minute. Just before the final whistle, Police three-quarter Yomal Thilakaratne was given a yellow card for foul play.