Police edge past Airmen 29-27 in thriller

By: M. Shamil Amit

Feb. 28 (Daily Mirror) - Police SC edged out Air Force SC 29-27 in the Clifford Cup Knock-Out Rugby Tournament first quarter-final encounter played at Longden Place.

The League Tournament Plate champions went through some anxious moments before they scraped home while collecting their points from three goals, one try and one drop goal after the scores were level 17-17 at half time.

The Airmen responded with three goals, one penalty and one drop goal.

Police SC opened the scoring in the fourth minute of play when full back Shane Hopwood executed a splendid drop goal against the run of play.

However, the Airmen hit back few minutes later as scrum half Kavishka Ruchirathna powered his way to touch down the opening try with Padmasanka Pramod adding the extra points.

Air Force SC were able to enjoy that lead only for a short period as Police SC bounced back in style as Deshan Fernando scored their first try with fly half Prince Chamara making no mistake with the conversion.

However, Gayantha Iddamalgoda made it 10-10 with a neat penalty for the Airmen in the 24th minute of play.

Air Force SC went further ahead as flanker Udesh Madushanka crossed the whitewash and Iddamalgoda added the extra points to increase the lead 17-10.

Winger Akash Madushanka brought Police SC back into the game with a superb try and Chamara added the extra points to make it 17-17 at the break.

Shortly after the interval, Air Force SC took the lead once again (20-17) with a beautiful drop goal from fly half Ishara Madushan.

Police SC responded almost immediately as Hopwood sliced through the opposition defence for a superb try, which went unconverted.

The Airmen were rewarded for their perseverance as they stormed back into the game with a crucial try from their dynamic number eight Shashika Fernando with Iddamalgoda adding the extra points.

But Police SC delivered the final blow in a spectacular manner as Mithun Hapugoda touched down for the match winning try in the 72nd minute and Hopwood added the vital extra points to make the final scores 29-27. (Pix: Pradeep Dilrukshana)