Kandy to field best side for CR encounter

By Shamzeer Jaleel 

Defending league champions Kandy Sports Club will be at full strength when they lock horns with CR&FC in their return battle at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium today. 

The kickoff is scheduled for 4pm.

Kandy, to date, remains unbeaten in the league, taking an unbeatable lead with 16 points ahead of the second team. The team is well supported by their dynamic three quarter line which is lightning quick. Dhanushka Ranjan, Richard Dharmapala, Fazil Marija, Anurudha Wilwara, all experienced players at their peak, will be difficult to stop. Full back›s position will be between Nigel Ratwatte and Tharindu Wijesinghe with the former Royalist Nigel likely to start which will put Tharindu to finish off the game. Full time scrum half Roshan Weeraratne will start off the linking job between the forwards and the three quarter line which will push Sooriyabandara to come in the late second half. Shehan Pathirana, Sayuru Anthony, Uchithra Jayasuriya and Yakoob Ali are no pushovers. 

The Red Shirts will be heavily depending on the leadership of Tharindu Ratwatte and Omalka Gunaratne, both top class national players who will need to guide their youngsters. Skipper Kavindu Perera, Shashan Mohamed and Reza Rafaideen all be playing in front of their home town fans in the hill country. 

The in-form first half should be a close battle, but Kandy should run a yard faster and continue their wining form with a bonus point win here. 

Referee: Rohan Fernando 

Havies request for date change; Kandy firm on original date

Havelocks Sports Club who will play Kandy SC on 11 February at Nittawela have requested for a date change due to the upcoming elections. Havelocks SC Secretary Tiny Samat had written to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) requesting for a date change to Friday, 09 February, citing safety reasons for players who will need to travel a long distance. Kandy stood firm that the game should be played as scheduled on 11 February. They will want to play in front of a packed house that day before taking custody of the trophy this year as well.