News
CR & FC, Havelocks Gear Up for Thrilling Showdown in Inter-Club Rugby Clash
COLOMBO – Defending champions CR & FC are set to face their toughest challenge yet when they go head-to-head with arch-rivals Havelock Sports Club in a highly anticipated encounter for the prestigious Commander Eustace Matthihz Trophy. This week 8 fixture of the Mastercard ‘A’ Division Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament is scheduled to kick off at Havelock Park tomorrow at 4:00 PM.
CR & FC’s Dominant Run
CR & FC have been in red-hot form, maintaining an unblemished record this season with six consecutive wins. Their campaign has seen commanding victories over Sri Lions (43-13), Navy (39-13), Army (38-10), Air Force (24-20), CH & FC (27-22), and Police (40-20), making them the team to beat.
Havelocks’ Strong Challenge
Havelock SC have also displayed top-tier rugby, securing impressive wins against Navy (43-15), Air Force (30-19), Sri Lions (43-13), Army (28-19), and CH & FC (27-21). Their only setback came against Kandy SC in a closely contested match (20-24), highlighting their ability to compete at the highest level.
CR & FC’s Attacking Arsenal
A key strength for CR & FC lies in their electrifying backline. The halfback combination of Rushen Bandaranayake and Thenuka Nanayakkara has orchestrated play with precision, while centres Manilka Ruberu and captain Gemunu Chethiya have been relentless in breaking defensive lines. Winger Randy Silva adds an extra attacking edge, consistently exploiting spaces with his speed. Fullback Mursheed Doray has been a game-changer, frequently joining the attack and proving clinical with his goal-kicking accuracy.
Havelocks’ Counterplay
Havelocks also boast a formidable backline capable of turning the tide in their favor. The playmaking duo of Rifan Mohamed and Sandesh Jayawickrama has shown excellent control, setting up attacking opportunities for their teammates. Centre Mushin Faleel has been instrumental in breaching defenses, while winger Jayathu Rajaratne, a former DS Senanayake College captain, has been in stellar form, crossing the try line in nearly every game. Fullback Samuel Maduwantha adds depth with his tactical kicking and composure under pressure.
High-Octane Clash Expected
With both teams featuring dynamic backlines, sharp goal-kickers, and a thirst for victory, this match promises to be an exhilarating contest. CR & FC aim to extend their unbeaten streak, while Havelocks will be determined to leverage their home advantage and deliver a major upset.
Matchday Squads
Havelock SC: Shihan Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Abdullah Faiz (captain), Janidu Fernando, Thiven Perera, Maleesha Madumevan, Shenal Deelaka, Chathura Dilshan, Rifan Mohamed, Sandesh Jayawickrama, KD Kavinda, Mushin Faleel, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Jayathu Rajaratne, Samuel Maduwantha.
CR & FC: Tineth Gamage, Venura Kodagoda, Thanuja Jayaweera, Shenal Adhikaram, Naveen Marasinghe, Samitha Warnakulasuriya, Raveen de Silva, Adeesha Weeratunga, Rushen Bandaranayake, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gemunu Chethiya (captain), Manilka Ruberu, Randy Silva, Rinesh Silva/Aaron Corera, Mursheed Doray.
Football
Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!
The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship Group C stage remains finely poised — with all four schools still in contention to reach the quarterfinals. With Gateway College having completed all their matches, the final fixtures will decide the fate of St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Colleges.
Current Standings:
| School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 5 |
| St. Benedict’s College | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| St. Patrick’s College | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
| St. Joseph’s College | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
Gateway College – Top for Now 🟢
Gateway College leads with 5 points after finishing all their group-stage matches. Their unbeaten record gives them a strong edge, but their qualification still depends on the final two matchdays. They’ll be watching closely as St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s fight for crucial wins.
St. Benedict’s College – Advantage in Hand ⚪
With 4 points from 2 games, St. Benedict’s College holds the upper hand. A victory in their next match will guarantee a quarterfinal spot, potentially as Group winners. A draw could still be enough, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable to a late surge from the other two schools.
St. Patrick’s College – Still in the Race 🟡
With 1 point from 2 games, St. Patrick’s still has a chance to qualify — but only if they win the remaining match. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference, currently at -1, to stay competitive in case of a tie on points.
St. Joseph’s College – A Must-Win Situation 🔵
After losing their opening game, St. Joseph’s College faces a do-or-die scenario. With two matches left, the Josephians must win both — and by convincing margins — to stay in contention for a top-two finish. Anything less will end their campaign.
Qualification Scenarios:
- 🏆 If St. Benedict’s wins next match: Gateway and Benedict’s advance.
- 🤝 If St. Benedict’s draws next match: Gateway likely through; second spot open between Benedict’s and Patrick’s.
- ❌ If St. Benedict’s loses: St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s could qualify by winning their remaining games.
The Group C showdown promises edge-of-the-seat drama as school football’s finest battle for survival in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025. Every point counts — and one mistake could end a dream run.
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, photos, and exclusive post-match reactions from the players and coaches.
Football
CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year
In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.
Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.
CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:
“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”
SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:
“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”
Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.
As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.
🏆 About the Championship
- Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
- Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
- Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
- Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
- Finals Date: December 13, 2025
News
Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 – Group B Wide Open as Royal, Aligar & Kalutara Battle for Top Spot
The race for qualification in Group B of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Tournament is heating up, with three top schools still in contention for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Royal College Leads the Pack
Royal College, Colombo currently sits on top of Group B after an impressive 5-0 victory, showcasing both dominance and attacking flair. With two crucial matches left, Royal remains the favorite to finish as group leaders — but the battle is far from over.
Aligar Central’s Mixed Fortunes
Aligar Central College, last year’s runners-up and inaugural Ball Blaster champions, have had a mixed campaign so far. After one win and one narrow loss — the latter coming from an unfortunate own goal — the team still remains firmly in the race for qualification.
Kalutara Muslim Still in the Hunt
Kalutara Muslim Central College, one of the most competitive sides in this year’s tournament, has only played one game so far — securing a 1-0 win. With two matches still to play, they remain a real threat to the current table leaders.
Maris Stella Struggling for Form
Maris Stella College, on the other hand, has had a tough run, losing both their opening fixtures and conceding nine goals in the process. They will now look to finish strong and disrupt the group standings in the remaining matches.
With the Group B stage still wide open, the coming matchdays promise thrilling encounters as Royal, Aligar, and Kalutara fight for the top two quarterfinal spots in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025.
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