Reds off gallant Air Force to storm in to Clifford Cup final

CR scrum half Viduna Amaneth is held by Air Force overseas player Afa Sua while support coming in for Reds from Chatura Seneviratne

 Air Force second rower Maleesha Weerakoon avoids a tackle by Omalka Gunaratne
Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

By Shamseer Jaleel

League champions, CR and FC booked their place in the final of the Clifford Cup knock Out 2026 rugby tournament edging past a gallant Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club by 29 points (4 tries, 3 conversions, 1 penalty) to 22 points (3 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) in a thrilling semi-final played under lights at Longdon Place last night.

At the short breather, the Reds held a commanding 22–7 lead after settling into their rhythm following an initially scrappy opening phase. Both sides took time to find their structure during the first 15 minutes before the home team began to control territory and possession. CR gradually built pressure and managed to cross the line to gain momentum, while the visitors responded with a determined effort of their own. The contest soon turned into a competitive battle with both teams showing attacking intent and resilience.

Air Force, however, suffered a significant setback when their regular place kicker, Gayantha Iddamalgoda was forced off the field due to injury. His absence proved costly as replacement kicker Kaveesha Kaluarachchi missed two relatively easy penalty attempts and a conversion which ultimately made a difference in the final outcome. Despite trailing, Air Force produced a spirited second-half display. The Ratmalana side played cohesive rugby and added two well-worked tries, keeping the pressure on the home team and ensuring the contest remained alive until the final whistle.

CR also had to weather a difficult period when Omalka Gunaratne was sent to the sin bin with a yellow card. During this phase, Air Force enjoyed territorial advantage but were unable to capitalize and cross the whitewash.

The Reds tries came through Chatura Seneviratne, Pasindu Bandara, Omalka Gunaratne and skipper Lasindu Karunathilake. Thenuka Nanayakkara contributed with the boot, converting three tries and adding a penalty to keep his fine kicking form this season.

Air Force replied through tries by Nirmal Wickremasinghe, Shamika Kaushan and Pathum Pieris. Kaluarachchi managed two conversions and a penalty as the visitors continued to challenge strongly until the closing stages.

In the end, CR held their nerve to secure victory and move into the final, where they will chase their second title this season when they host the decider on March 7 against either Kandy Sports Club or Havelock Sports Club.

The match was officiated by a Kenyan referee, Lorence Kiunga.