Navy in 19-8 win over Air Force

Chris Dhambarage

Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club produced a superb second half rally to beat Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club 19-8 in their Caltex inter club ‘A’ division league rugby tournament match worked off at Welisara yesterday.

After having snatched a close 11-8 lead at half time the Sailors came out with an improved performance in the second half and went on to collect their points from two tries and three penalties.

The Airmen who produced a fine display at the beginning failed to maintain the same momentum in the second half and managed to score only a solitary try and a penalty.

Centre three quarter Dinusha Fernando gave Navy SC the early lead while scoring their first try which was followed by two crucial penalties from full back Dav Anand. Air Force SC came back strongly and reduced the margin to three points while scoring an unconverted try through Radhika Hettirachchi and firing across a penalty through Rajitha Sansoni to make it 8-11 shortly before half time.

However Navy SC with their home advantage came into their own in the second half where they added a second try to their tally in addition to a penalty without conceding any points to their opponents.

Wing three quarter Chula Susantha powered his way to add the extra points to a superb three quarter move that extended Navy SC’s lead to 16-8 mid way in the second half.

Full back Dav Anand once again failed to add the extra points but few minutes later he converted his third penalty to seal the game in their favour.