Army SC and Police SC qualified for the semi-finals of the SLR Nippon Paint Clifford Cup Knock-Out Rugby Tournament by winning their respective quarterfinals played in Colombo.
Army SC trounced defending champions Havelock SC 39-17 at Longden Place, while Police SC defeated Air Force SC 22-17 at the Racecourse Grounds. Army SC collected their points from three goals, three tries and one penalty after having led 19-7 at half time. Havies were under pressure from the kick-off and managed only a goal and two tries. Army SC ran down three superb tries in the first half through Thirusha Adhikaram, Ashan Bandara and Nalan Premaratne with Chamath Fernando converting two tries.
Havelock SC managed to score only a solitary try in the first half when winger Ramesh Fernando went over the whitewash with Janith Chandimal adding the extra points. Army SC further increased their lead shortly after resumption with another try from winger Sudaraka Dikkumbura, before centre Randy Silva cut the deficit for the Park Club by going over for an unconverted try. Havelock SC staged a late comeback when Fartham Fazi scored their third try in the 60th minute to further reduce the margin to 17-26.
However, Army SC added the finishing touches in style as they scored twice during the latter stages through Dilshan Perera and Mohamed Rifan. Dilshan converted his own try and later fired across a neat penalty to make the final score 39-17 in favour of Army SC. Police SC Vs Air Force SC Meanwhile, Police SC defeated Air Force SC 22-17 after leading 15-10 at half time. They collected their points from two goals, one try and one penalty, while the Airmen responded with two goals and one penalty. Hooker Dulanjana Wijesinghe scored two back-to-back tries after prop forward Shanaka Harishchandra had scored early in the first half. Fly half Prince Chamara converted two tries and also put over a penalty. Nirmal Wickramasinghe and Ishara Madushan scored a try each for Air Force SC, while fly half Nuwan Perera converted both tries and also put over a penalty
