Navy overcome Sri Lions 25/20 in tight contest

Monday, 26 January 2026 03:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Navy Sports Club produced a great late surge to edge past Sri Lions 25/20 in a tightly contested encounter at Longdon Place last evening.

With this encounter, Navy SC ended Round 1 on a winning note, sealing their place in the Plate segment feature.

Meanwhile, Sri Lions saw their League campaign come to an end, forced to sit out and watch the Super Round.

At the short breather, Sri Lions led 10/7.

The match opened at a brisk pace with both sides showing attacking intent. Sri Lions struck first through national player Nizran Nilar, who finished off a sharp move out wide to set the tone early. A Dilshan Thanuja try took the home team to a 10/0 lead, but Navy SC hit through a superb try by Isuru Perera, which was goaled by Isuru Congahawatte to cut the deficit to three points.

After the turnaround, Sri Lions went ahead with a Teran Karunanayake try and Kaveesha Nadun conversion. Navy hit back through a Congahawatte penalty and a skipper Denuwan Wickramarachchi try to take the lead 22/17.

Navy SC, however, remained patient and methodical. Wickramarachchi was outstanding, with powerful carries that cut through the Lions’ defensive line. Isuru Perera added another try, capitalising on sustained forward pressure and quick recycling at the breakdown.

Congahawatte proved decisive with his composure under pressure, slotting over another penalty to take the lead to eight points at 25/17. Sri Lions cut the deficit again through a Kaveesha Nadun penalty. Navy, who lacked discipline in the end, were down to 13 men in the field, while Sri Lions were attacking and play was under advantage for the home side, but as the referee ended the game abruptly, Navy were able to keep away the Sri Lions outfit from crossing their line.

The Referee was Kelum Sandaruwan.

With the Inter-Club League 2025/2026 coming to an end, in Round 1, Air Force, Army, Navy, and Police will feature in the Plate segment, while CR, Kandy, CH, and Havies will lock horns in the Cup segment. Sri Lions will need to sit out the remainder of the League. They will get an opportunity for the Clifford Cup Knockout encounters in the eight teams’ event, but will need to beat the no. 8 team in a pre-quarter final encounter once the League is completed.