Kaushan hat-trick powers Air Force to big win

By Sajeewa Jayakody

Air Force Sports Club ran up a big 39 points (two goals, five tries) to 18 (three tries, one penalty) win over Siri Lions Sports Club in their Inter-Club Rugby League 2025-26 match played at Longden Place yesterday, after leading 17-8 at half time.

The Airmen set the tone early when foreign player Vaovasa Afa crossed for an unconverted try to give them a 5-0 lead. Siri Lions replied with a penalty to reduce the gap to 5-3 and after the first 15 minutes Air Force were narrowly ahead.

Siri Lions briefly went in front in the 17th minute when Nadun Kaveesha scored an unconverted try to make it 8-5. But the Air Force hit back quickly. Arosh Ratnayake scored their second try in the 19th minute, though the conversion was missed, as Air Force regained the lead at 10-8.

The match swung firmly towards the Airmen when Siri Lions’ lock forward Denuwan Silva was shown a yellow card in the 25th minute. Air Force made full use of the extra man, with hooker Shamika Kaushan driving over from a well-set maul. Gayantha Iddamalgoda added the conversion as Air Force moved ahead 17-8 by the 35th minute.

Just two minutes after the lemons, Kaushan struck again with an unconverted try to extend the lead to 22–8.

The powerful hooker then completed a hat-trick soon after, pushing the score to 27-8 and putting the game beyond doubt.

Siri Lions showed some spirit in the second half when scrum half Praneeth Silva sniped through the defence to score an unconverted try in the 60th minute, cutting the margin to 27-13.

However, the Air Force continued to dominate. Fly half Ishara Madushan scored from the left in the 65th minute and smart off-loading involving replacement Vishal Akalanka and centre Pramodya Pathmasanka helped add more points as the Airmen stretched the lead to 39-13.

Siri Lions had the final say with a consolation unconverted try by foreign player centre Jona Sadravesi but it was too little too late.

Referee: Gihan Yatawara.

•Courtesy from https://www.sundayobserver.lk/

https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/01/11/sport/69808/kaushan-hat-trick-powers-air-force-to-big-win/