Clifford Cup knockout rugby quarter-final: CH ground Air Force

CH and FC skipper Janidu Dilshan is blocked by an Air Force player

By Shamseer Jaleel

CH and FC advanced to the semi-finals of the Clifford Cup Rugby Knockout Tournament 2025 with a commanding 22 points (3 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) to 10 points (1 try, 1 conversions, 1 penalty) win at the Air Force Ground in Ratmalana last evening.
At the short breather CH led 19/10.
CH and FC will now travel to Nittawela on April 1 to play the unbeaten league champions Kandy SC in the first semi-final.
The game started with high intensity and it was Air Force SC who struck first through a well-worked try by Pasindu Perera. Pasindu successfully converted his own try to take a 7/0 lead but it was short lived as CH hit back through Charith Silva try and Janith Chandimal conversion. 
A few minutes later Pulasthi Dissanayake who had a super game crossed over for CH’s second try. Janith added the extra 2 points to take 14/7 lead. 
Charith Silva was unstoppable crossing over for a second time for CH to take a 19/7 lead. 
Air Force got a golden opportunity to come back in to the game when they were awarded a penalty but Pasindu Perera missed a sitter. 
Air Force missed their regular kicker Gayantha Iddamalgoda badly not only on penalty kicks but also to gain territory. On stroke of half time Pasindu Perera knocked over a penalty to close the gap to nine points.
However, Air Force SC struggled to regain momentum in the second half, as CH and FC’s defence stood strong against their attacking efforts. 
The match saw moments of ill-discipline, with Arosh Rathnayake of Air Force SC and Pasindu Bandara of CH receiving yellow cards. Despite some promising phases from the Airmen, they failed to add any points in the second half, while CH and FC extended their lead with a penalty to seal a 22/10 victory.
CH & FC’s dominance in the set-pieces and their ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities were key factors in their win. Their backline, led by Chandimal’s tactical kicking and Silva’s finishing, proved too strong for the Air Force defence. 
Meanwhile, Air Force SC showed glimpses of brilliance but were unable to convert pressure into points, particularly in the second half.
Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon