Police seals semi-final berth with gritty win over Air Force

Police Sports Club emerged victorious in a thrilling match against Air Force Sports Club, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the Nippon Paint Clifford Cup Knockout Rugby Tournament. The match, played at Longden Place yesterday, saw Police SC triumph with a score of 29-27 over Air Force SC, after the scores were tied at 17-all during halftime.Police SC scored three goals, one try, and one drop goal, while Air Force SC managed three goals, one penalty, and one drop goal. The first points came for Police SC through a drop kick by fly half Shane Hopwood in the sixth minute.

The first try of the match was scored by Kaveesha Kaluarachchi of Air Force SC, followed by a successful conversion, bringing the score to 7-3 in favor of Air Force SC. However, Police SC swiftly responded with a try from hooker Deshan Fernando in the 19th minute, converting it to take the lead at 10-7.Air Force SC’s Gayantha Iddamalgoda leveled the score with a remarkable 50-meter penalty kick, making it 10-all in the 25th minute. Just before halftime, Air Force SC extended their lead to 17-10 with a try by Udesh Madushanka. Police SC managed to equalize the score at 17-all right before halftime with a try from Akash Madushanka, converted by Prince Chamara.

After the break, Air Force SC took a slight lead with a drop kick from Ishan Madushan, making it 20-17. However, Police SC quickly regained the lead with a try from Shane Hopwood, leading 22-20.Air Force SC responded with a try from Number Eight Shashika Fernando, followed by a successful conversion from Gayantha Iddmalgoda, taking the score to 27-22 in their favor.In the 58th minute, both teams were reduced to 14 men after Hirantha Perera of Police SC and Shashika Fernando of Air Force SC were shown yellow cards for a heated altercation. They returned to the field in the 67th minute.In the 76th minute, Mithun Hapugoda of Police SC scored a crucial try, with Shane Hopwood successfully converting it, securing a 29-27 lead for Police SC.Akash Madushanka of Police SC was awarded the Player of the Match. Police SC will now face Clifford Cup defending champions, CR and FC, in the semi-final on October 5 at Racecourse Grounds. Ishanka Abeykoon refereed.

( Source : Daily News)