COPS WEATHER NAVY STORM TO CLAIM NARROW 14-10 VICTORY

January 5, 2026 1:30 am

Sajeewa Jayakody

Police Sports Club showed strong nerves and cool heads under pressure to edge past Navy Sports Club by 14 points (two goals) to 10 (one goal, one penalty) in their Maliban Inter-club Rugby League 2025–2026 clash at Police Park yesterday.

The Cops were on the back foot at the breather, trailing 7–10, but they turned the tide after lemons to snatch a hard-earned win, proving they can bend but not break.

Police struck first in the 20th minute when winger Sujan Kodithuwakku powered through from a five-metre scrum to cross the whitewash. Fullback Prince Chamara kept a cool head and slotted the conversion to give the hosts a 7–0 lead.

Navy clawed back in the 30th minute as veteran fullback Thilina Weerasinghe landed a penalty to trim the margin to 7–3. Just before the break, Navy hit back with a sucker punch. Fly half Isuru Kongahawatte spotted a yawning gap near the breakdown and touched down under the posts. Weerasinghe added the extras as Navy went into half time with a narrow 10–7 advantage.

Police came out firing after the break. Eight minutes into the second half, Chamara took a quick tap and barged over near the left corner. He converted his own try to put the Cops back in front at 14–10.

The hosts had to dig deep when prop Hafiz Thabeeth was sent to the naughty chair in the 51st minute for a reckless counter-ruck, reducing Police to 14 men. But they held firm, soaked up the pressure and regained full strength in the 62nd minute.

Despite late changes, including Pasindu Tharuka replacing Chamara for the final 10 minutes, Police kept Navy at bay. At the final whistle, it was one-way traffic on the scoreboard, as Police sealed their second win of the season.

Referee: Raveen Alexandera

•Courtesy from https://dailynews.lk/

https://dailynews.lk/2026/01/05/sports/927323/cops-weather-navy-storm-to-claim-narrow-14-10-victory/