Air Force take clear lead in Plate segment

Thursday, 5 February 2026 02:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Air Force Sports Club have taken a commanding grip on the Plate segment of the Inter-Club Rugby League Plate Segment after a thumping half-century-plus victory over Navy SC last weekend, a result that firmly underlined their credentials as clear favourites for Plate honours. The emphatic nature of the win has opened up a healthy gap at the top of the segment and placed the Airmen in pole position for a strong Super Round finish through the Plate route.

The Plate segment continues on 6 February with Navy SC hosting Police SC at Welisara, followed a day later by Army SC welcoming Air Force SC at Panagoda.

Both matches will kick off at 4 pm.

Police SC have shown a marked improvement after a sluggish start to the campaign. Their revival has been driven by the outstanding all-round performances of Fijian powerhouse Kaliova Mocetadra, who has been a constant threat in attack and solid in defence. Strong support from the forwards and backline, combined with steady leadership from skipper Shanaka Harischandra, has added balance and belief to the Police outfit. Former Kingswoodian Heshan Kalhara too added the much needed power for the forwards coming in during the second half.

Navy SC, however, continue to endure a difficult patch. Despite possessing quality players and experience, results have not gone their way. Skipper Denuwan Wickremarachchi has led with commitment, while Isuru Perera and Isuru Congahawatte have been among the more consistent performers. Playing at home, Navy will be desperate to convert effort into points, especially with a crucial fixture against Sri Lions looming to secure a quarter-final berth in the Clifford Cup knockout tournament. Referee is Raveen Alexander.

At Panagoda, Army SC face a daunting challenge against the in-form Air Force side. Army have struggled for consistency and will rely heavily on their senior players and leadership group to arrest a worrying slide.

Air Force SC, by contrast, are flying high. With a settled combination, strong leadership and confidence surging, they look set to dominate the Plate segment and build momentum for a productive Super Round, even as Army and Navy search for answers in a testing phase of their season. Coached by Asela Deshapriya Air Force looks a real match to play in the Cup segment which they have lost out in the last two years due to not ending some of their first round games after starting well but not pacing out for their entire 80 minutes. Gihan Yatawara will referee this encounter.