CR & FC overcome Police fightback to secure 46-22 win

CR & FC full back Mursheed Doray avoiding Cops tackle (Pix by Nisal Baduge)

Police SC’s second-half fightback went in vain as CR held on for victory

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR & FC endured a stern second-half challenge but held their nerve to record a 46-22 bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka Police Sports Club in their Inter-Club League rugby encounter played at Police Park last evening. CR scored through 7 tries, 4 conversions, and 1 penalty to Police’s 2 tries, 1 penalty try, 1 conversion, and 1 penalty.

The Red Shirts, who dominated the early exchanges, led 17-3 at the short breather and eventually finished strongly to claim a valuable win despite a spirited fightback from the hosts.

CR set the tempo from the outset with superior ball control and territorial dominance, converting early pressure into points. Their forwards laid a solid platform, allowing the backs to exploit space and establish a 14-point advantage by half-time, keeping Police largely pinned in their own half.

However, the home side emerged with renewed intensity after the restart and stunned the visitors with three quick tries. That surge reduced the deficit to just seven points and briefly shifted momentum, as Police capitalised on lapses in CR’s defensive organisation to put the contest back in the balance.

To their credit, the Red Shirts responded with composure and experience. Drawing on their first-half cushion, CR tightened their defence, regained control at the breakdown and punished Police indiscipline, gradually pulling away on the scoreboard to reassert their authority.

CR’s ability to finish strongly proved decisive, as they crossed for seven tries in total and added a crucial bonus point, underlining their attacking depth and resilience under pressure. Police, despite scoring two tries and earning a penalty try, were unable to sustain their momentum against CR’s structured response. CR scored through Chamod Muthunayake (2), Viduna Amaneth (2), Pasindu Bandara, Omalka Gunaratne and Thenuka Nanayakkara. Nanayakkara converted four of them plus a penalty. For Police SC, their tries were scored by Pasindu Tharuka and Ruckshan Madushanka, while Tharuka put over one penalty and a try conversion.

Referee: Raveen Alexander 

CH & FC maintain unbeaten run

Meanwhile at Welisara, CH & FC continued their unbeaten run with a composed 29-13 victory over Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club. 

CH led 12-3 at the short breather.

CH built their success on disciplined defence and good finishing moves, though they went through some tough moments as the hosts gave a gutsy performance. CH in the end scored five tries to maintain their impressive form, collecting a bonus point win.

Referee: Jeewaka Fonseka