Airmen stun Cops with last-minute takeover
Air Force SC secured a dramatic 20-19 victory over Police SC in a thrilling encounter during sixth week of the SLR-MasterCard Club Rugby League at Ratmalana yesterday. The match, which saw the teams level at 7-all at halftime, came down to the wire with a last-minute try by Air Force’s hooker, Shamika Kaushan.
Both teams scored three tries each, but it was the single penalty that separated them. Air Force finished the game with 20 points, comprising three tries, a conversion and a penalty, while Police posted 19 points with three tries and two conversions, gaining losing bonus points.
Police had control but the game was turned over by Airmen - Pic courtesy thePapare
The match began with Air Force taking an early lead in the seventh minute. Flanker Shashika Fernando crossed the line under the posts, and flyhalf Gayantha Iddamalgoda converted successfully to give Air Force a 7-0 lead. Police responded just before halftime in the 37th minute, with winger Ramitha Himash scoring a try. Fullback Yehan Bulathsinhalage added a brilliant conversion, levelling the score at 7-all as both teams headed into the break.
After the resumption Police pushed ahead with a try by flanker Lahiru Thilakaratne in the 45th minute. Bulathsinhalage converted again, giving Police a 14-7 lead. Air Force closed the gap in the 52nd minute, with Iddamalgoda converting a 22-metre penalty to make it 14-10.
Police extended their lead to 19-10 in the 64th minute, when winger Sujan Kodithuwakku collected a well-placed kick from centre Hirantha Perera and scored. However, Air Force responded in the 71st minute, with scrumhalf Vishal Akalanka touching down for a try, making it 19-15.
As the final whistle approached, Kaushan’s last-minute try sealed the victory for Air Force. Although Iddamalgoda’s conversion attempt failed, the try was enough to give Air Force a 20-19 win, much to the delight of their supporters.