A dramatic last-minute try by Air Force SC hooker Shamika Kaushan sealed a nail-biting 20-19 victory over Police SC in their Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament clash at the Air Force Ground Ratmalana yesterday. The scores were level at 7-7 during halftime.
Despite both teams scoring three tries each, it was a solitary penalty that tipped the balance in Air Force SC’s favour. The hosts collected their 20 points through one goal, two tries, and one penalty, while Police SC managed two goals and one try for their 19 points.
Air Force SC started strong, with flanker Shashika Fernando diving under the posts in the seventh minute. Fly-half Gayantha Iddamalgoda’s successful conversion gave the home team an early 7-0 lead. Police SC struck back in the 37th minute with winger Ramitha Himash crossing the line and fullback Yehan Bulathsinhalage adding the extras to level the scores at halftime.
After the break, Police SC’s Lahiru Thilakaratne scored a try in the 45th minute, followed by another precise conversion from Bulathsinhalage, extending their lead to 14-7.
Air Force SC responded in the 52nd minute when Iddamalgoda slotted a 22-meter penalty, narrowing the gap to 14-10.
Police SC seemed to pull away when winger Sujan Kodithuwakku scored in the 64th minute after collecting a perfectly placed kick from Hirantha Perera, pushing the lead to 19-10.
However, Air Force SC was not done yet.
In the 71st minute Vishal Akalanka scored near the posts but an unsuccessful conversion kept them trailing at 19-15.
As the final whistle loomed, Kaushan delivered a match-winning try, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Although Iddamalgoda missed the conversion, the single-point margin was enough for Air Force SC to claim a thrilling 20-19 victory.
Referee: Gihan Yatawara
