Red-hot Cops down Navy 26-18

By Harsha Amarasinghe

Police Sports Club produced a fine team effort securing their second victory of the Dialog Rugby League tournament defeating Navy Sports Club 26 (4 tries, 3 conversions) – 18 (2 tries, 1 conversion, 2 penalties) at Welisara today (13).

Having trailed 8-7 at the breather, the Cops produced another scintillating second half display to claim a provisional lead in the points table with defending champions Kandy Sports Club due to play third placed Army tomorrow. 
 
While Police backs have grabbed all the headlines this season, their forwards put together a solid display against a very good opposite pack.  

Police, though having an ordinary first half, were able to finish off on a high note when hooker Rasith Silva crashed over to score the first try which was converted by replacement fly-half Janith Chandimal after Navy had racked up 8 points courtesy of a penalty from centre Chathura Seneviratne and a fifth minute try from second row Raveen de Silva.   

Prop Lahiru Pavithra touched down in the 51st minute with Chandimal booting over the conversion to take the lead for the first time in the match.  

Once they took the lead it was all over for Navy as Police grew in confidence and their deadly backline got their mojo back, making brilliant moves with Fijian centre Emosi Vunivosa at the heart of all the plays.  

The former Fiji Under-20 player broke through the Navy defense inside their own half only to be met with a hard tackle from Navy’s stand-in captain Mushin Faleel, knocking the ball backward which then kindly fell to the path of wing three quarter Sachith Silva who collected it and cleared over 60 meters, to dive over with 15 minutes left. Five minutes later they produced a breathtaking move which involved three players from their backline. Vunivosa starting the move on the right side of the pitch found full-back Suranga Kasun who was tackled by his opposite number, but Kasun spotted the inside run made by wing three quarter Sujan Kodithuwakku who put the icing on the cake, clinching the bonus point.  

Navy forwards had a consolation try in the last minute through Shevon Gregory, but far too many mistakes meant yellow cards to number eight Radeesha Seneviratne, second row Supun Pieris and fly-half Seru Cavuilati - a clear indication of the ill-disciplined display which needs to be sort.