Police edge out Navy in a thriller

Lepani Likusuaua Peremo Tuivanuaou of Navy SC (C) attempts to break free from three Police SC players 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Police Sports Club edged out Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club by a narrow 14 points (2 tries, 2 conversions) to 10 points (1 try, 1 penalty, 1 conversion) win in a tense Inter-Club Rugby League encounter played at Police Park yesterday, producing a hard-fought contest that went down to the final whistle.
At the short breather it was Navy who led 10-7.
Police SC opened the scoring through a well-worked try by Sujan Kodithuwakku in the 19th minute of the game, capitalising on sustained pressure inside the Navy 22. Prince Chamara added the extras to lead 7-0. Though Navy had plenty of territory, they lacked the finishing moves, plus converting territory into points was below standard.
Navy put over a penalty by their fullback and ever-reliable kicker, Thilina Weerasinghe, to cut the deficit to four points.
On the stroke of half-time, Isuru Congahawatte dummied his way for Navy’s first try. Thilina added the extras to take 10-7 at the short breather.
The second half turned into a tactical arm-wrestle, with both sides tightening their defensive lines. Police were reduced temporarily when Hafiz Thabeeth lost his cool and, for tackling without arms, was shown a yellow card, but the hosts defended resolutely to deny Navy any further scoring opportunities even while one player less.
Despite sustained late pressure from Navy, the home team held their nerve to secure a valuable home victory. The win underlined Police’s growing confidence this season, while Navy will rue missed chances in a match that could easily have swung either way. Prince Chamara scored Police SC’s second try and converted it himself.
Referee: Raveen Alexander
This was Police SC’s second win this season, earlier getting the better of Sri Lions SC, while Navy are still searching for their first win.