Clifford Cup semi-final rugby 2019

Air Force stun Police

By Shamzeer Jaleel

Air Force 32 points

Police 23 points

Air Force Sports Club waiting from their last and only Clifford Cup win in 1986 put up a brave effort to down the most fancied Police outfit by 32/23 Race Course Ground yesterday.

At the short breather it was the Police who led 16/14.

Air Force forwards and three quarters combined well to display quality running rugby in the later half where the Cops did not have an answer. Police lost out due to poor handling of the balls and basic errors. Line out too the Cops lost many good balls which put the Air Force team on the driving seat.

Air Force drew first blood in the 4^th minute of the game through Ishara Madushan. Charith Seneviratne added the extras. Udaya Sanjula and Janith Chandimal tries took the Cops in to a 10/7 lead with both kicks not been accurate by Chandimal.

Air Force pack leader, Saraka Werella scored their second try with Charith Seneviratne adding the extras.

Two more penalties by Janith Chandimal took them to short breather at 16/14 favoring the Cops.

After the turn around Parakrama Ratnayake and Nuwan Perera scored a try a piece for the Air Force with Charith Senaviratne converting same. Vihanga Pavithuru scored for the Cops.

Referee Remy Charleroy 

Air Force will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Havelock SCand Army SC (March 21)

Grand final will take place on March 24 at Racecourse ground.

Photo credit Chamila Karunarathne