Police register second win in League; sink Navy

Monday, 5 January 2026 00:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Heshan Kalhara of Police SC on an attacking move – Pic by Upul Abayasekara

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Police Sports Club recorded their second win of the Inter-Club Rugby League season with a hard-fought 14/10 victory over Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club in an encounter played at Police Park yesterday.

In a match dominated by defence and tactical discipline, Police held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a valuable home win. After Navy Sports Club led 10/7 at the short breather.

Police opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Sujan Kodithuwakku finished off a well-constructed move following sustained pressure inside the Navy 22. Prince Chamara made no mistake with the conversion to give the hosts an early 7–0 lead. Navy enjoyed plenty of territory thereafter but struggled to convert pressure into points, with their finishing lacking cohesion.

Navy reduced the deficit through a penalty by their reliable fullback Thilina Weerasinghe, before taking the lead just before halftime when Isuru Congahawatte dummied his way over for a well-taken try. Weerasinghe added the conversion to give Navy a narrow 10/7 advantage at the short breather.

The second half developed into a tight tactical battle, with both teams tightening their defensive lines and opportunities at a premium. Police showed admirable play even when reduced to 14 men following Hafiz Thabeeth’s yellow card for a tackle without arms. Their defensive organisation during this period proved decisive. Also during one player less Navy Sports Club failed to gain any points in their 10 minutes of play.

Prince Chamara emerged as the match-winner, scoring Police’s second try and converting it himself to seal the contest. Despite sustained late pressure, Navy were unable to breach the Police defence again.

Referee Raveen Alexander maintained good control throughout, as Police celebrated their second win of the season, having earlier defeated Sri Lions SC, while Navy remain in search of their first victory.