Saturday Feb 21, 2026
Saturday Feb 21, 2026
Friday, 16 January 2026 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
The Inter Club Rugby League 2025/2026 moves into the deeper end of its first round with only one final set of matches remaining next weekend. With every team having tasted defeat at least once, the title race remains wide open. Defending champions, Kandy SC, CR, CH, and Havies are front runners.
Meanwhile, Air Force, Army, Police, Navy, and Sri Lions are tipped to feature in the Plate segment, with eight teams moving forward. For the Clifford Cup knock, too, there will be a play-off between the 8th and 9th teams, while only one of them move forward.
At Police Park tomorrow, Police SC will host Sri Lanka Army SC, with both teams already ruled out of Cup segment contention and set to compete in the Plate segment. Despite their inconsistent campaigns, this encounter promises to be closely contested. However, Army SC hold the edge due to their superior organisation, experience, and tactical discipline.
Army will be led by seasoned national player, Sudaraka Dikkumbura, whose leadership remains central to their plans. Strong support from Ijaz Ahmed, Mohamed Akram, and Nalaka Maduranga adds depth and stability to the side. Police SC, captained by Shanaka Harischandra, will look to Heshan Kalhara and Mohan Wimalaratne for inspiration, but Army’s composure should see them through.
Later under lights at Longdon Place, CR & FC take on Sri Lanka Air Force in a crucial Cup segment encounter. The Red Shirts rebounded superbly after their loss to CH, edging defending champions Kandy SC at Nittawela. Led by Lasindu Karunathilake with key contributions from Thenuka Nanayakkara, Naveen Marasinghe, and Chamod Muthunayake, CR enter as clear favourites.
Air Force, led by Shanaka Werella, must win their remaining fixtures to stay alive in the Cup race. However, on current form and momentum, CR should pull through without major difficulty.
On 18 January, CH & FC meet Sri Lions at Longdon Place. Plagued by injuries, the newcomers face an uphill task, while CH will be desperate to bounce back after last week’s heavy defeat to Havelock SC. With Cup qualification at stake, CH are expected to return to winning ways with a convincing bonus-point victory.
Match schedule
17 Jan.
Referee Ishanka Abeykoon
Referee Kelum Sandaruwan
18 Jan.
Referee Charani Liyanage
