CH and FC bounce back to seal Plate Trophy

The CH and FC squad: Janidu Dilshan (captain), Dhanushka  Malitha, Maliksha Perera, Ravindu Anjula, Nirosh Perera, Deshan  Vimukthi, Pasindu Bandara, Charith Silva, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Devinda  Rathnayaka, Udesh Madushanka, Janith Laksara, Gimhana Silva, Dinesh de  Silva, Harsha Maduranga, Chamath Kilan, Janith Chandimal, Ramesh  Fernando, Thanuja Maduranga, Kavindu Yasas, Dilhara Ranasinghe, Lahiru  Lakshan, Nisal Chamuditha, Hansitha Semal, Anuk Fernando, Chathumina  Raajasinghe, Jaeden Koch, Thanuja Dilshan and Randitha Warnaoura; Head  Coach: Sanath Martis, Asst. Coaches: Lakala Perera and Rohitha  Rajapaksa, Trainer: Ransilu Jayathilake, Speed Trainer: Shaanaz de  Silva, Team Manager: Udani Edirisinghe.  

By Shamseer Jaleel  

CH and FC emerged victorious in the Plate segment of the  2024/2025 Inter-Club Rugby League 2024/2025, securing fifth place  overall after a commendable season. Under the leadership of Janidu  Dilshan, the Colombo-based club displayed resilience and skill,  finishing with 39 points after winning six of their 12 matches. Though  they would have loved to be in the Cup segment, their late surge plus  inconsistent approach cost them in the end to end up in the Plate  segment.  

Their attacking power was evident, as they notched up 388  points while conceding 290, demonstrating a well-balanced performance  throughout the campaign. Sadly, they lost some games where easily they  could have won, which cost them in the end. Some games they settled deep  in to the first half, late to score points while at the same time the  opposition had accumulated a lead which the CH found difficult to catch  up in the end.  

Coached by the experienced Sanath Martis, CH and FC  benefitted from the tactical expertise of assistant coaches Lakala  Perera and Rohitha Rajapakse. Their structured approach and emphasis on  disciplined play helped CH maintain consistency and secure key victories  in a competitive Plate segment. However, this will not satisfy the CH  management as they are a team deserving to be in the Cup segment but  just missed out in the end.  

The team’s ability to recover from setbacks and maintain  their momentum in crucial matches was a testament to their strong squad  depth and leadership. The Plate Trophy triumph serves as a significant  milestone for CH and FC, reinforcing their status as a formidable force  in Sri Lankan club rugby.  

With the league phase now concluded, CH and FC will shift  their focus to the Clifford Cup knockout tournament, where they are set  to face Air Force SC in the quarter-final away at Ratmalana. Their  skipper Dilshan, Chamath Kilan, Udesh Madushanka, Gimhana Silva, and  Nisal Chamuditha showed lot of promise during the season.   

CH and FC will look to build on their Plate Trophy success  and carry this momentum into the knockout stage. With their attacking  flair and solid defensive structure, they will aim for a deep run in the  Clifford Cup and a potential shot at a better finish.