Kandy book their final berth

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy Sports Club continued their winning streak this season when they beat the gutsy CR & FC outfit by 36 points (2 goals, 3 tries, 3 penalties) to 26 points (3 goals, 1 try) win in their Clifford Cup knock out rugby semi-final encounter, which took place at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekelle yesterday.

At the short breather Kandy led 22/7.

Kandy settled down well with early domination in the proceedings of the game. The return of their crack Number 8, Buwanka Udangamuwa made the difference between the two sides. He was simply outstanding in his threatening moves. He split the Red Shirts all over with some powerful runs. His opposite number, Omalka Gunaratne, too stood out, but the Kandy number 8 was far superior class on attack as well as in defence. Fazil Marija and Ranjan too played their part with some very good cover tackles to keep CR away from scoring freely. For CR, their skipper, Kavindu Perera and Tharinda Ratwatte too were outstanding for the visitors. In forwards play, Shehan Pathirana and Yakoob Ali stood out for the Upcountry lads.

Kandy drew first blood in the 7th minute of the game when their Centre, Dhanushka Ranjan split the CR defence to touch down. Ranjan, who was on song made mockery out of the weaker CR defence to touch down his second try in the 20th minute.  Full back, Nigel Ratwatte was on target with the kick at goal. Five minutes later, CR brushed aside Kandy defence to touch down right corner through Chanka Chandimal. Tharinda Ratwatte added the extra 2 points to cut the deficit to 5 points. Sooriyabandara and skipper Gayan Weeraratne’s try took the score to 22/7 at the short breather.

Soon after the turn around, Ranjan scored his hat trick with Nigel Ratwatte adding the extra 2points. Two Nigel penalties took the scores to 35/7. Then came the Red Shirt onslaught with Omalka Gunaratne handing off a few Kandy defenders to score a fantastic try with Tharinda Ratwatte adding the extras. CR flanker, Shamal Weerasekera try took CR a step closer to 35/21. Then there was time for one Thilina Wijesinghe penalty for Kandy and Reza Rafaideen try for CR as time beat every one.

Referee Sam Jones (Australia)  

Kandy will meet Navy in the Clifford Cup final on 25 February at the Racecourse rugby grounds. Navy beat Havies in the second semi final encounter when they edged out the Park Club by 28 points (2 goals, 1 try, and 3 penalties) to 26 points (3 goals, 1 try) at the Racecourse rugby grounds yesterday.

At the short breather scores were tied at 12 apiece.

Pix by Shamseer Jaleel