Kandy outclass CR in Clifford Cup semifinal

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy outclassed CR&FC 56 points (9 tries, 4 conversions, 1 penalty) to 16 points (1 try, 1 conversion, 3 penalties) in the first semifinal of the Clifford Cup knockout rugby competition, which concluded at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday. 

Defending champions Kandy will now meet the winners of the second semifinal between Navy and Havelocks.

At halftime, Kandy led 27-9.

Once again Kandy maintained their top standard by displaying professional rugby. Their three-quarter line was at its peak. Once again Dhanushka Ranjan was a major threat for the red shirts, who did not have an answer to his frequent and swift attacks. He was well supported by Richard Dharmapala, Fazil Marija and Vishwamithra Jayasinghe. 

In forwards play, Shehan Pathirana and Sayuru Anthony stood out for Kandy. For CR, their rock solid Number 8 Omalka Gunaratne was omnipresent. It usually took nearly two or three players to bring him down. He was the lone fighter for the Longden place outfit. Tharinda Ratwatte was given a red card for a dangerous tackle on Kandy skipper Roshan Weeraratne, forcing CR to play with one man less for most of the second half.

It was CR who scored first through a penalty from fly half Nalin Kumara in the third minute of the game. Five minutes later Kandy hit back through a Sayuru Anthony try which was converted by fullback Tharindu Wijesinghe. Both Nalin Kumara and Tharindu Wijesinghe added one more penalty for their respective sides to take the scores to 10-6 in favour of the home team. Then Kandy broke free to score back-to-back tries through Damith Dissanayake and Dhanushka Ranjan. CR reduced the deficit through Nalin Kumara’s third penalty but Vishwamithra Jayasinghe scored a try before halftime.

After the turnaround Kandy scored through Richard Dharmapala, Danushka Dyan, Dhanushka Ranjan (2) and Yakoob Ali. Omalka Gunaratne scored CR’s only try, which was converted by Ashan De Costa.

The match was refereed by Julien Castaignede from France. The Assistant Referees were Priyantha Gunaratne and Sarath Madugalle. The Match Commissioner was Senarath Alwis. The final will take place on 26 February at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium.