Police caused the first upset in the Clifford Cup knock-out rugby competition when they ousted CH&FC by a solitary point … 18 -17 at Havelock Park yesterday. Police collected their points through two tries, two penalties and a goal while CH’s 17 comprised of three tries and a goal.

CH made a valiant attempt to make a come back to the game in the second session but Police kept them away with some bone crunching tackles. Police led 10-5 at the breather. Police’s barn storming play had the CH rattled in the first half but a Shane Dissanayake try put the Maitland Crescent side in front at 5-0 and Police cut down the lead to 5-3 through a Wijeweera penalty.

Police took control after that and skipper Nilusha Fernando scored a try far right and Wijeweera was on target to put them ahead at 10-5 at which score lemons were taken. CH made some changes in the side which brought about some fire into their attack after the re-start. A sudden downpour too seemed to revitalize the CH in this session. That was before Police scored an unconverted try and took the lead.

CH retaliated in fiery fashion through a Dilanka Wijesekera try and surged into the lead. Not to be outsmarted Police took the lead once again through a Wijeweera penalty at 18-10. Dimunitive winger Lakala Perera struck for CH next when he blazed through for a try far left to take their tally to 17, just a point behind Police.

That was as far as the scoring went. During injury time CH showed signs of making a come back but time did not permit it.

Referee: Dilroy Fernando