Navy in superb win over Police

Anuradha ABEYSEKERA

Much fancied Navy SC posted their second consecutive victory in the Division ‘A’ Dialog Rugby League when they beat Police SC by 31 points (one goal, three tries, two penalties and a drop goal) to 17 ( two goals and a penalty) at the Bambalapitiya Police grounds yesterday.

Sailors drew the first blood with their fly half Dev Ananda dropping a goal followed by a try from Navy number eight Bilal Hasan. Navy led 8-0. Sailors maintained the lead from the beginning and did not allow the Police attackers to open the account for a long time. Police players were not pleased with few referee's decisions and their fly half Sam Aolele was given a yellow card in the first half. Police took some time to tune up to their rhythm and their full back Jeewan Amaradasa scored the first try after a long run which was converted by Sam. Navy led 8-7.

Police missed few scoring chances due to their poor teamwork in the first half while Sailors played in a much organized manner. Navy increased the gap with Dev firing across a penalty just before the short whistle. Navy led 11-7 at half time.

Both teams fought hard in the beginning of the second half and score board stand still for a considerable time. It was Police's Sam who got the score board moving with a penalty. Soon Navy's lock forward Sumedha Malewana touched down from left. Navey led 16-10. Navy played with a much aggressive attack and Dev fired across another penalty to widen the gap. Navy hooker Dulanjana Weerasinghe penetrated the Police defense but they missed the extra points. Navy lead 21-10. Sam waged a solitary fight for Police and broke the Navy defense while Lahiru Gunasekara added the extra points with successful conversion.

Police players did not perform well in the latter part of the game while Sailors sealed their victory with Bilal Hasan scoring his second try in the match which was successfully converted by Rehan Weerakoon. Dilroy Fernando refereed. Navy SC has won two out of two, beating CH and Police teams and will meet Army SC on June 22 at Diyagama. Police has lost the both matches they played against Havlocks and Navey, and will face strong Kandy SC on June 24 at Nittawala.