Winning start for CR and Air Force

Monday, 17 November 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Omalka Gunaratne of CR about to score a try for the Reds

By Shamseer Jaleel

The opening weekend of the Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/2026 got underway in thrilling fashion, with Air Force SC and CR & FC both securing convincing victories to make strong early statements.

Played in front of passionate crowds, the two fixtures delivered intensity, attacking rugby, and early signs of where teams may stand this season. With high expectations surrounding the League this year, both winners showcased tactical discipline and superior finishing skills.

At Ratmalana, Sri Lanka Air Force edged out Sri Lanka Army 24/19 in a closely contested encounter. Air Force crossed the line three times and added three conversions and a penalty to secure the win, but Army were far from passive, matching their opponents with three tries of their own while converting two. However, the decisive difference came from Air Force’s composure under pressure and the accuracy of their place-kicking, which ultimately gave them the narrow five-point victory.

Air Force tries were scored by Shamika Kawshan (2) and Maleesha Weerakoon, with experienced Gayantha Iddamalgoda converting all three of them and putting over a solitary penalty for the home team. Meanwhile, for the Soldiers, their tries were scored by Thilina Pushpakumara, Lakshan Jayawickrema, and Ijaz Ahamed. Lahiru Rathnayake converted two of them.

At Longdon Place, the Red Shorts produced a perfect start for their season opener, defeating Sri Lions SC 65/8 in the most emphatic result of Week 1. Scoring 11 tries and five conversions, the Reds unleashed their firepower in attack, overwhelming Sri Lions with speed and precision. The visitors managed just a single try and penalty, struggling to keep up with CR’s high tempo and fluid transition play throughout the game.

The Sri Lions try was scored by Praneeth Silva, with Nathan Gunaratne adding a solitary penalty. The Reds scored through Aaron Corera (3), Chamod Muthunayake, Thanuja Jayaweera, Harsha Maduranga, Omalka Gunaratne, Charith Silva, Venura Kodagoda, Rajindu Anjula, and Deputy skipper Zubair Doray. Zubair Doray converted two of them, while Dinesh de Silva was on target with three of them.