First place decided, dog fight in the offing

 Sri Lanka domestic rugby set for more intrigue (SLR)

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Inter Club Rugby League 2025/2026 comes to its deeper end of the first round with only one more set of games to be worked off next weekend and it has already come to light that CR and FC are likely to finish on top in the Cup segment while the scramble will be for the second place with the rest of the teams battling for the Plate.

No team is assured of the Cup after Sri Lanka Rugby decided on a play-off between the first and second teams and followers will be waiting to see whether Kandy SC which objected to the “extra match” will consent to the play-off should they end up second in the League.

Overall all the teams are beaten while the Cup front runners are the defending champions, Kandy SC, CR and FC and Havelocks while CH and FC has only an outside chance. 

On Saturday Police SC will host Army SC at Police Park with both sides now battling for the Plate.

Inconsistent performances throughout the tournament have hampered both teams but a closely fought contest is expected. 

Army SC however hold a slight edge due to their superior experience and structure led by seasoned Sri Lanka player Sudaraka Dikkumbura. They will also rely heavily on Ijas Ahmed, Mohamed Akram and the vastly experienced Nalaka Maduranga who remains a vital cog in their setup. 

Police SC, captained by Shanaka Harischandra, will look to Heshan Kalhara, Mohan Wimalaratne and Udaya Sanjula to inspire a home victory although Army SC’s composure should see them through.

On the same day Saturday, CR and FC will host Air Force SC at Longden Place. The Red Shirts bounced back strongly after a setback against CH as they produced a morale-boosting victory over defending champions Kandy SC at Nittawela. 

Led by Lasindu Karunathilake, with strong support from Thenuka Nanayakkara, Naveen Marasinghe and Chamod Muthunayake, CR enter as clear favourites. 

Air Force, led by Shanaka Werella are now one of the favourites to win the Plate.

On Sunday CH and FC meet Sri Lions at Longden Place and are tipped to win. Injury-hit Sri Lions are facing an uphill battle while CH will be desperate to respond after last week’s heavy defeat to Havelocks.

Weekend match schedule:
January 17: Police SC vs Army SC at Police Park (3.30 pm)
CR and FC vs Air Force at Longden Place (6.30 pm)
January 18: Kandy SC vs Havelock SC at Nittawela (3.30 pm)
Sri Lions vs CH and FC at Longden Place 3.30 pm