Changed appetite made Air Force savour the Plate

The victorious Air Force SC rugby squad comprised of Manuka Perera, Shamika Kaushan, Nirmal Wickramasinghe, Nilantha Jayaweera, Maleesha Weerakon, Nishan Pieris, Yerash Bumundaka, Sharaka Weralla (captain), Kaveesha Kaluarachchi, Ishara Madushan, Arosh Ratnayake, Pramodya Pathmasanka, Afasua Yaovasa (overseas player), Shenal Uyangoda, Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Parakram Ratnayake, Vimukthi Fernando, Pathum Pieris, Shashika Fernando, Rumesh Wasantha, Isuru Jayaratne, Akalanka Vishal, Kalana Chamuditha, Rasindu Bandara and Sudath Bandara. The team was managed by Chaturanga Eleperuma with Ranuka Madagedera as Forwards coach, Charith Seneviratne as Backs coach and Lahiru Weerasinghe in charge of fitness

By Shamseer Jaleel

It was a drastically changed approach that made Ari Force Sports Club the undisputed inter club Plate rugby champions after they failed to qualify for the Cup.

They won the title by defeating Police SC 24-12 in the deciding match at Ratmalana last week.

Under the outstanding leadership of captain Sharaka Werella and the guidance of head coach Asela Deshapriya, the Air Force SC displayed excellent teamwork, commitment and tactical discipline. Their progress during the season reflected the strong structure built within the squad and management.

Air Force opened their campaign on a positive note with a hard-fought 24/19 win over Army Sports Club as the side demonstrated solid defence and effective attacking patterns to secure a confidence-boosting start.

They continued their momentum with impressive performances in the league round against key opponents recorded a 26–17 victory against Police SC and followed it up with a strong 28–14 win over Navy Sports Club.

However, the season also presented challenges. The encounter against Havelock Sports Club proved difficult as Air Force SC went down 20/5. They also faced a tough outing against Kandy Sports Club, eventually losing 36/22 in a match that demanded high intensity and endurance.

But Air Force bounced back strongly with a convincing 39/18 win over Sri Lions Sports Club highlighting their attacking strength and improved coordination. Despite subsequent losses to CR and FC (38/5) and a narrow 31/29 defeat to CH and FC, the team remained determined to finish strongly.

The close contest against CH and FC could have gone either way. Air Force showed glimpses of brilliance but were unable to maintain momentum for the full 80 minutes, which ultimately proved decisive in the outcome.

With league standings placing them behind CR, Kandy, Havelocks and CH and FC, Air Force entered the Plate segment with renewed focus. The team viewed it as an opportunity to regroup and finish the season on a positive note.

They commenced the Super Round Plate encounters with a dominant 61/24 victory against Navy SC, one of their finest performances of the season. This was followed by another solid 25/12 win over Army SC, reinforcing their growing confidence heading into the decisive stages. Although Police SC recorded a 36/12 win prior to the final, Air Force used that match as preparation while resting several senior players and giving exposure to young talent.

In the Plate final, Air Force rose to the occasion to secure a well-deserved 24/12 victory and lift the title. Their success was also made possible through the dedicated efforts of the management and coaching staff led by Asela Deshapriya and the Air Force rugby administration headed by Air Commodore Subash Jayathilake.