Air Force tipped to win Plate segment

Friday, 30 January 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club will kick off their Plate Segment Super Round campaign when they face Navy Sports Club at Welisara today.

Having narrowly missed out on a coveted top-four finish at the conclusion of Round One, Air Force enter the Super Round determined to stamp their authority early and underline their credentials as Plate title contenders.

Topping the Plate standings after Round One, the Ratmalana-based outfit will nonetheless feel a sense of disappointment at falling short of the Cup segment, especially after showing consistent promise throughout the league but sadly lacked the finishing touches to many games not pacing out the entire 80 minutes of play.

Air Force Led by Shanaka Werella, possess a balanced side with several match-winners capable of dictating tempo and capitalising on opposition errors. Among them is the reliable Gayantha Iddamalgoda, whose accuracy off the tee remains a vital weapon.

A lingering concern that continues to trouble head coach Asela Deshapriya. Despite this, the side’s overall consistency suggests they are well placed to mount a serious Plate challenge if they can sharpen their finishing. Asela is the National Women’s Head Coach, his influence is evident in Air Force’s organised approach and growing tactical maturity plus took DS rugby to a different level last couple of years.