CR tipped to beat Sri Lions, Army SC under scrutiny against Air Force SC

By Shamseer Jaleel

The second set of matches in the Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/2026 will take place today promising an evening of intense action as all four teams aim for a strong early statement in the season. 

With points in the opening week proving crucial in shaping the momentum, both encounters carry added significance.

At Longden Place, Sri Lions SC will host CR and FC. Sri Lions SC led by Ganidu Weerasinghe, will rely heavily on the presence of Aiden Fernando and Nizran Nilar, two players capable of influencing the flow of the game. A victory here would not only lift their confidence but also send a clear message that Sri Lions intend to be competitive from the outset but it will be a huge task for the newcomers. 

The Red Shorts captained by Lasindu Karunathilake the first Science College player to lead the Longden Place club, enter the fixture with equal ambition. With promising schoolboy talents this season they are well balanced with maturity. With players such as deputy skipper, Mursheed Doray and Adeesha Weerathunge in their starting line-up, CR will be eager to secure an early win and build rhythm in a league where every point matters. The match will kick off at 4 pm with Kelum Sandaruwan officiating. 

Meanwhile, the second match today will see Air Force SC hosting Army SC in another vital encounter at Ratmalana. Army, playing their first match of the season, will be under the expert guidance of veteran coach Sanath Martis as they look to begin their campaign on a positive note.

Air Force, already settled on their home turf, will be equally determined to open their season with a win, knowing the value of early momentum in a tightly contested league. The referee will be Ishanka Abeykoon.

Both matches today hold significant weight as all four teams strive to secure that all-important winning start to their league campaigns.