Airmen stun CH 39-22 at Ratmalana

By Sandun Kodithuwakku

Air Force Sports Club made full use of their home advantage to register their first victory in the Dialog Rugby League defeating CH & FC by 39 points (four goals, one try and two penalties) to 22 points (two goals, one try and one penalty) at Ratmalana today (17). The winners led 27-8 at the breather.

In the fourth minute, Air Force SC drew first blood through Fijian Centre James Tuteovuya, who powered his way to score under the post. Fly-half Charith Senevirathna added the extra points.

Five minutes later, Referee Kelum Sandaruwan awarded a penalty to CH and full-back Arshad Jamaldeen responded with the 22-metre kick to put up the first points on board for the visitors (7-3).

Few minutes later, Air Force SC’s Charith converted two penalties as the home side extended their lead to 10 points.

A couple of minutes later, CH centre Warren Weerakoon scored an unconverted try by the left corner flag to halve the deficit.

Air Force SC responded through James who crashed through for his second try off a rolling maul when he barged over mid-left. Gayantha Iddamalgoda converted and the scores read 20-8 at that stage.

In the final minute of the first half, James powered his way to score his third try by the left corner flag with Iddamalgoda converting the try (27-8).

In the 49th minute, Air Force SC scrum half Iddamalgoda scored another five points for the home side and the conversion was successfully made by Nuwan Perera.

Three minutes later, CH Skipper Rohitha Rajapaksa dived over for a try near the right corner flag and Jamaldeen made the conversion.

Thereafter, CH second row Niller Nizran made a break and ran round to score his first try. Jamaldeen added the extra points.

Air Force SC had the last laugh however as they scored their fifth try through centre Ramzan Amith, who touched down near the right corner flag to take the hosts over for a famous victory.