CH & FC survived a major upset in a gallant second-half comeback orchestrated by Air Force which truly set a mouthwatering clash yesterday (24) at Longden Place, which was a fitting end to Round 1 of the Inter-Club Rugby League. The game ended with just two points separating the teams, CH 31 to Air Force 29. 

Pulasthi Dassanayake (CH) opened the scoring early in the first half to kickstart the game in high favour for the Gymkhana club. 

A dominant display in the opening half saw hosts CH & FC take a commanding 17-3 lead at the short breather.

Air Force proved that they were a great second-half comeback side when they pulled off what could have been a historic comeback victory as they scored 26 points in the latter half whilst the winners CH scored 14. 

However it was too little too late as referee Raveen Alexander blew the final whistle with just two points, making the difference in a last-gasp victory for the Gymkhana lads who held their nerves in the dying stages of the game against a gutsy Air Force outfit.

The third row combination for CH really stood out in the game, and there was no love lost between the front rows and the entire forwards from both sides as they put on a heavy workload to get their teams the big ‘W.’

The last five minutes were exciting; the scoreboard read CH 24-22 Air Force at the 75th minute. However, just a minute later, Wesleyite Naham Hemachandra fresh out of the schoolboy season scored the bonus point try, just as he did at Longden Place against D.S. Senanayake College last year by blocking a box kick in the red zone.

The very last passage of play saw the Airmen showcasing superb fighting skills till the last whistle, with burly prop forward Manuka Perera barging over for the last try of the game and sealing the losing bonus point for the visitors who will be the top of the Plate segment, whilst CH safely booked a spot in the top title (Cup) segment along with CR & FC, Kandy SC, and Havelocks.

Full-time: CH & FC 31 (4T 4C 1P) beat Air Force 29 (4T 3C 1P)

Today (25), Siri Lions will host Navy Sports Club at Longden Place (3.45 p.m.).

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

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