Air Force Sports Club added another feather to their cap this season when they emerged Defence Services rugby champions for 2023 by overcoming Navy SC 23-13 in the deciding game played at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana.
The Airmen, who had earlier clinched the Plate Championship in the Nippon Paint Inter-Club ‘A’ Division League Tournament and the SLR Sevens title, produced another splendid performance to seal the game by a convincing margin.
Even then, Navy SC started the game as slight favourites as they had defeated Air Force SC in the League Tournament fixture at Welisara and had also emerged runners-up in the Clifford Cup Knock-Out Tournament.
But this time, the Airmen had a different gameplan to counterattack the Sailors and were dominant in the set pieces and line-outs as they collected their points from one goal, two tries and two penalties.
Navy SC were always trailing in this game as they managed to score only a goal and two penalties.
Earlier, Air Force SC went through some anxious moments before overcoming Army SC 15-13 in their opening match of the tournament at the same venue under severe weather conditions.
Air Force SC collected their points from one goal, one try and one penalty while Army SC responded with a goal and two penalties.
Air Force SC’s dynamic fly half Gayantha Iddamalgoda, who played a major role in both outings was named as the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament and the side was coached by Shamly Nawaz.
The awards ceremony was held under the patronage of Commander Naval Infantry, Rear Admiral P. A. N. J. Ponnamperuma.
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