Kandy hold edge over Navy

The encounter between Kandy and Navy always pulls a full house

By Shamseer Jaleel

Club rugby’s league competition will see an important weekend of matches with the pick of the games being played between defending champions Kandy and joint table leaders Navy. This game will be played at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium this Sunday.

Air Force will start this weekend’s matches when they host Police in Ratmalana. Air Force, who have played some cohesive rugby this season, occupy seventh position at present and have the clear edge over the cops, who are still to get into their act.

The following day, CR&FC, after smarting from a defeat at the hands of Kandy, will host last-placed CH&FC. The red shirts are expected to win but their hopes of capturing the league were shattered with last weekend’s defeat to Kandy. They have some outstanding players in their ranks. Ishan Noor, Omalka Gunaratne, the Costa brothers and Prince Chamara could run riot if CH’s defence is not in place. Tharinda Ratwatte, who was replaced in the latter half in the Kandy encounter with a shoulder injury, is a doubtful starter for this game.

On Sunday there will be two matches up for a decision. The first one is between Havelocks and Army in Ratmalana. Havelocks are leading the points table and should come away with an easy win. 

But their form against the cops in the last game was a worrying factor for their supporters. But they are expected to field the best team with Muthuthanthri, Dulaj, Sharo and Hirantha all expected to play a major part in order to secure the league this year. 

The encounter between Kandy and Navy in Nittawela is sure to see a full house on Sunday with the home team holding a clear edge playing in front of their army of supporters. Sayuru Anthony, Yakoob Ali and Udangamuwa all provide strong support to their three quarter line. 

Ranjan will be a nightmare for the Sailors as he is in top form. Fazil Marija is expected to be back in the starting line-up pushing Nigel Ratwatte to the fullback position. This move might leave out in-form fullback Thilina Wijesinghe. 

Dharmapala too needs to get into the form he was missing for most of the game which could be a worry for Kandy but they have ample support with the replacements from the bench.

Navy will depend heavily on their placekicker Thilina Weerasinghe to put over the penalty kicks plus the conversions. The former Isipathana player is in great form this season. Lee Keegale, Sathya Ranathunge and Dhanushka Perera will be a major threat for Kandy. The winning team will lead the table from next week.

Today

 Air Force vs. Police in Ratmalana. Referee: Priya Susantha

14 January 

CR&FC vs. CH&FC at Longden Place. Referee: Irshard Cader

15 January 

Havelocks vs. Army in Ratmalana. Referee: Rohan Fernando

Kandy vs. Navy in Nittawela. Referee: Aruna Rankothge