Air Force SC downs CR and FC 6-1

Air Force Sports Club defeated CR and FC 6-1 in the inaugural Premier Hockey League (PHL), organised by the Next Generation Hockey Development Society and supported by the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation, played at the artificial turf in Colombo yesterday.

Air Force’s scoring spree was led by Lahiru Weerasuriya, who netted two goals, one in the 30th minute and another in the 58th minute. Other contributions came from Udayashan Fernando in the 16th minute, S. Sandaruwan in the 17th minute, Nimantha Fernando in the 38th minute, and Sachintha Gunawardena in the 48th minute. Lifan Shoshala scored the lone goal for CR and FC in the 27th minute.

On the opening day of the tournament, Police SC and Army SC also celebrated victories. Police SC faced CH and FC, winning decisively with a score of 10-1. Abdul Manan shone with three goals, while Sadaruwan Priyalanka and S. Kasun Ubesiri each added two goals. The remaining goals came from Shanaka Nandalochana, Chaturanga Dinesh, and Mohosin Jat. Damith Madhusankha Bandara scored the only goal for CH and FC, with Priyalanka named the best player of the match. In the second game, Army SC triumphed over Old Senanayake Sports Club (OSSC) with a narrow 4-3 victory, scoring the winning goal just 6 seconds before the final whistle. Anuradha Suresh led the Army’s attack with two goals, while Rajitha Kulathunga and Dhamika Ranasinghe each scored one. OSSC’s Ahmad Butt and M. Malik contributed two and one goals, respectively. Anuradha Suresh earned the title of best player in this match.

The Premier Hockey League has attracted international talent, with six Pakistani players participating so far—three with Police SC and three with OSSC. More foreign players are expected to join in the coming weeks. The next round of matches is scheduled for October 17, coinciding with Poya Day, followed by weekend fixtures.