Navy rally in second half to beat Police 15-7

Navy SC launched their campaign for the 2022/23 Nippon Paint Inter-Club League Rugby Championship with a hard-fought 15-7 victory over Police SC in their first-round match played at Welisara yesterday. After trailing 5-7 at half time, the Sailors got their act together well in the second half to turn the game in their favour while collecting their points from one goal, one try and a penalty while Police managed only a solitary goal.

Police SC opened the scoring in the 29th minute when prop forward Mohan Wimalaratne barged over for a push over try and full back Sashika Jayawardana added the extra points to give them a 7-0 lead at that stage.

Navy SC came back strongly with an unconverted try on the stroke of half time with hooker Rasith Silva finding a gap on the open side to touch down near the corner flag after a five-metre scrum.

The home side took the lead for the first time in the game when flanker Nirosh Perera went over for a splendid try giving full back Thilina Weerasinghe an easy conversion to make it 12-7 in the 65th minute. Scrum half Harsha Maduranga increased the lead to 15-7 shortly before the final whistle and Navy SC went on to emerge victorious 15-7.

Referee: Gihan Yatawara.