CR & FC pulled off a narrow 14 (1 try, 3 penalties) points to 10 (1 try, 1 conversion, 1 penalty) win over Air Force in the plate segment of their Nippon Paint Rugby League Tournament match worked off at Air Force Grounds yesterday.

Basement boys CR who are having a tough season were able to get themselves off to a solid start courtesy of a penalty from place kicker Yasas Kavindu in the 7th minute.

The Airmen did create some opportunities during the first half but they failed to cross the white line as CR defended very well.

Kavindu was the only points scorer in the first half as he knocked over two more penalties giving CR & FC a 09-00 half-time lead.

The hosts however made a strong start to the second half as they sent Nirmal Wickramasinghe over the line to score their only try of the match which was well converted by their experienced kicker Gayantha Iddamalgoda to cut the deficit down to 9-7, four minutes into the second half.

However their hopes of a comeback was demolished through a stunning try from centre Gemunu Chethiya as the former Josephian speedster appears to be getting back to top form. His unconverted try in the 55th minute extended their lead to 14-7.

The Airmen battled hard in trying to get a try but they only succeeded in getting a penalty on the hour mark which was neatly dispatched by Iddamalgoda.

But in the end the young Red Shirts were able to hold on to their lead despite being reduced to 14 as Yohan Kanishka was sent to the bin.

Havies desperate for win

Havelock Sports Club will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they take on CH & FC in the Cup Segment match at Race Course today.

Havies had such a terrific start to the season having won six out of six before their winning run came to an end at the hands of reigning champions Kandy last week.

They are up against a CH side who had a horrible start but made a very good recovery in the last few weeks.

It will be very interesting to see how the two outstanding packs clash in what’s a hugely important league game.

Havies are used to grinding out crucial wins against tough teams but they are running into a team full of confidence in CH & FC.