Army turn tables on Sri Lions

Sri Lions’ player Denuwan attempts to break through the Army SC defence (Pix: Pradeep Dilrukshana)

Army Sports Club produced a powerful second-half resurgence to defeat Sri Lions SC by 26 points (4 tries, 3 conversions) to 17 points (3 tries, 1 conversion) in their Inter Club Rugby League encounter at Longden Place last evening.

At the short breather the scores were tied at 12-12.

Army SC who trailed at intervals, showed exceptional composure and structure to secure a valuable bonus-point victory. The game belonged to Sri Lions for a majority of the first half but Army SC hit back late in the initial half while the winners played cohesive rugby in the later part of the second half to seal the game.

Sri Lions opened the game with impressive pace and intent, striking early through tries from Yohan Dananjaya and Sri Lanka player Nizran Nilar with Dilshan Madushanka on target with the second try conversion. 

Army SC who settled late in the first half touched down through Ijaz Ahamed and Nalaka Maduranga. Dinesh Victor was on target with one try conversion to level scores at 12-12 at half time.

After the turn around Army played a better controlled game and regrouped strongly after the break, tightening their defensive lines and shifting momentum through sustained forward dominance. But it was Sri Lions SC who scored first after the turn around through Teran Karunanayake to take the lead 17/12. 

The turning point for Army SC came through the brilliance of Vinod Kumar who scored twice in quick succession, capitalising on Sri Lions’ handling errors and defensive lapses. 

Dinesh Victor converted both tries to seal a bonus point win for Army SC.

Referee Nipuna Amarathunge

Army SC’s Ijaz Ahamed bulldozes his way for the try line against the Sri Lions defence