CR and FC clinch Clifford Cup to complete Rugby Double

March 9, 2026 1:03 am

Sajeewa Jayakody

League champions CR and FC produced a disciplined and courageous performance to edge past traditional rivals Havelock Sports Club by 12 points (four penalties) to 10 (one penalty try, one penalty) and clinch the Maliban Trophy Clifford Cup Knockout Rugby Tournament final  played under floodlights at Longden Place on Saturday

In front of a packed and passionate crowd under floodlights, the Red Shirts showed tremendous composure, rock solid defence and tactical maturity to secure the coveted rugby double — having already captured the league title earlier in the season. It was a classic Clifford Cup final where defence ruled the night, with both teams tackling ferociously and denying each other any clean try-scoring chances.

The game turned into a battle of nerves and discipline, and it was CR and FC centre Thenuka Nanayakkara who proved to be the match-winner with a flawless display  with the boot

Havelocks struck first when Samuel Maduwantha slotted over a superb 40-metre penalty in the fourth minute to give the Park Club an early 3–0 lead.

However, CR and FC quickly settled into their rhythm. In the 10th minute, Nanayakkara calmly fired across a 30-metre penalty to level the scores at 3–3. Six minutes later he repeated the act, putting over a 22-metre penalty to put the Red Shirts ahead 6–3.

From that moment the Longden Place side began to control territory with intelligent kicking and aggressive forward play led by skipper and number eight Lasindu Karunathilaka. Their defence remained rock solid as they went into the break with a narrow 6–3 advantage.

The second half was an intense arm-wrestle. Both packs fought fiercely at the breakdown while the defensive lines stood firm, refusing to allow any attacking space. Nanayakkara once again proved decisive in the 60th minute, converting a 15-metre penalty to stretch the lead to 9–3.

With the pressure mounting, CR and FC struck again in the 71st minute when Nanayakkara calmly slotted over a 15-metre penalty to extend the lead to 12–3, putting one hand firmly on the Clifford Cup.

Havelocks refused to surrender. With just three minutes remaining, they launched a powerful driving maul close to the CR line and were awarded a penalty try, reducing the deficit to 12–10 and setting up a tense finish.

The Park Club pushed desperately in the dying moments, but the Red Shirts held their line with heroic defence. When the final whistle sounded, Longden Place erupted in celebration as CR and FC sealed a memorable victory and completed the coveted league-and-knockout double.

It was also an emotional night for flanker Omalka Gunaratne, who played his final match in Sri Lanka’s oldest club rugby tournament. CR and FC full back Mursheed Doray was adjudged Player of the final and received a cash award of Rs. 300,000 for his outstanding performance.

At the presentation ceremony, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage, the chief guest, handed over the glittering  Clifford Cup club rugbys richest prize to jubilant CR skipper Lasindu Karunathilaka.

Much credit for the Red Shirts’ remarkable season goes to Head Coach Dushanth Lewke, who moulded the side into a powerful and disciplined unit. He was strongly supported by back division coach Lasintha de Costa and team manager Rohan Chinthaka.

Behind the scenes, Club President Tikiri Ellepola provided unwavering backing to the team, assisted by Deputy President Duluk de S Wijeyeratne Secretary Jacques Dias and other officials.

The triumph marks a major milestone for former Trinity rugby and cricket captain  Tikiri Ellepola, who in just his third year as President has overseen one of the most successful periods in CR and FC’s recent history — delivering the league title in 2023-2024 season and now completing a magnificent rugby double.

•Courtesy from https://dailynews.lk/

https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/09/sports/963101/cr-and-fc-clinch-clifford-cup-to-complete-rugby-double/