CR stamp their class with rugby double

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR and FC completed a magnificent Inter-Club 2025/2026 Rugby League season, ending two-year drought to reclaim the coveted League title and regain the Century plus years old, Clifford Cup Knockout trophy as well with a campaign built on consistency and strong leadership.

The Longdon Place outfit was captained by former Science College player Lasindu Karunathilake and guided by Head Coach, Dushanth Lewke whose experience and tactical understanding played a key role in shaping the team’s successful run.

It was also a proud moment for Reds President and former Trinity rugby and cricket captain, Ryde Gold Medalist, Tikiri Ellepola. securing the league title for the second time during his three-year tenure. Under his administration, the club has shown steady progress and renewed ambition at top level.

CR dominance was evident throughout the competition, where they delivered strong performances week after week. Their ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus proved crucial in the title race.

Out of 12 league matches, Reds recorded an impressive record, defeating rivals Kandy Sports Club twice during the league stage and again in the Grand Final, showing their authority against one of the strongest sides in the competition.

Their only setbacks came against Havelock Sports Club and CH where they suffered single defeats, but overall their consistent performances ensured they stayed firmly on course for the championship.

During the Clifford Cup knock out tournament Reds beat Navy (29/15), Air Force (29/22) and Havies (12/10)in the final.

A standout figure in the Reds’ campaign was former St. Peter’s College star, Thenuka Nanayakkara, who enjoyed a sensational season. His all-round performances and accurate goal-kicking earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.

Mursheed Doray also delivered another strong season with influential displays, while Manilka Ruberu, Naveen Marasinghe and Omalka Gunaratne contributed significantly to the team’s balanced attacking and defensive structure.

Behind the scenes, the coaching unit played an equally important role in maintaining the team’s standards. Once again their Head Coach, Dushanth Lewke proved his capabilities by winning the double. Lasintha De Costa handled the backline with precision, while Suhiru Anthony guided the forwards effectively throughout the campaign.

Adding further stability to the setup was long-serving Director of Rugby, Rohan Chinthaka, a former Isipathana player who has been associated with the club for over two decades. Together with the coaching staff, they ensured CR maintained their momentum and ultimately secured a well-deserved league title through consistency and teamwork.

During the tournament, the Reds beat Sri Lions 65/8, Army 64/15, Navy 64/15, Police 46/22, Havelock 33/14, Air Force 38/5, CH 26/16, Kandy 17/15, Kandy 25/20, Kandy 23/21 and lost to CH 32/34 and Havelock 14/28.

Ebony Holdings Vantage was the Principal Sponsor while also Asian Security Group ASG, BETSS.COM, TVS, FINTREX and SNP looked after CR with sponsorship packages.

The winning squad: Venura Kodagoda, Dilshan Jaya, Afeef,Senura Perera,Thanuja Jayaweera, Jehan Weerabangsa, Charith Silva,Yoshitha Sithumina, Januth Rathnayake, Sandesh Induwara, Niroshan Perera,Shenal Adikaram, Naveen Marasinghe, Ravindu Anjula, Abdul Ahamed, Adeesha Weerathunga, Kavishka Balla, Achitha Radeeshan, Lasindu Karunathilake, Omalka Gunarathne, Viduna Amaneth, Rushen Bandaranayake, Harsha Maduranga, Chathuranga Perera, Hashan Madumadawa, Kalindu Nandila, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Dinesh Silva, Emith Jayaweera, Manilka Ruberu, Iranga Ariyapala, Gamunu Chethiya, Aron Corera, Chemod  Muthunayake, Kushan Tharindu, Dimuth Perera, Vishenka Silva, Zubair Doray, Pasindu Bandara, Shane Hopwood and Dilruwan Perera.

The Coaching Staff comprises: Rohan Chinthaka (Director of Rugby), Dushan Lewke (Head Coach) , Lasintha De Costa (Backs Coach), Suhiru Anthony (Forward Coach), Ajith Silva (Kicking Coach), Vishwamithra Jayasinghe (S&C Coach), Tharanga Pramakumara (Physio), Kanishka Rangana (Masseur) and and Sivaraj, Paul Raj (Team Assistant).