Navy reign supreme once again

Tuesday, 11 February 2014 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Navy continues to march on in their pursuit of a league title sinking all forms of opposition in their wake. The brand of rugby dished out has been too hot to handle for most of the teams and they had a minor blip in the first round and will consider it lucky not to have been beaten by CR. In the second round they did not have any issues as they effectively mauled CR two weeks ago at Welisara and last week sent the Lions back upcountry with yet another sterling performance. We were promised live coverage on TV and at the last moment the plans were switched and we were given a dose of the Police/Sharks game from Police Park. If the quality of rugby dished out was of low quality the two commentators did a fine job in making the bad situation worse. If we are to improve in the art of commentary we must subject these enthusiastic guys behind the microphone to some form of training. The art of commentary on TV is very different to that on radio and when we have the luxury of the visuals repeating what we can easily see is of no value whatsoever. It is also vital that in TV commentary that you commentate whilst watching the screen in front of you as that is what is available to the TV audience and not what you can or cannot see from your air-conditioned perch. Kandy played host to CR on Sunday and for the first 55 minutes, CR was in a cloud as they had restricted Kandy to a mere three points. The flood gates opened thereafter and the CR lads were at sea as they had no answers to the powerful rugby that Kandy dished out thereafter. It was as if we watched two different games, as both sides played differently in the last quarter. One would shudder to think of the possible score line had Kandy got their act to together earlier in the game. The commentators were different for this game as to the ones for the Police/Sharks game, but the result was the same. We were treated to a bout of verbal diarrhoea as one of them obviously a staunch CR supporter could not hide his excitement at the fact that CR had just conceded only a penalty. The art of commentating is to remain neutral irrespective of the team that you support or detest and provide some form of value add to the viewer. For starters we were not even given the team line up but reminded right through the game that CR was without five of their stalwarts. For a man who had played some brilliant and quality rugby during his time, regarded as one of the best No. 8s in his time, and having held many important positions with distinction, it was a poor performance and lacked professionalism behind the microphone. Take nothing away though from him in terms of his knowledge of the game. The Havies beat Army over the weekend, but the win was rather lacklustre. In fact they are not living up to their reputation as league champs and by the look of things are destined for the No. 3 slot this year. Havies are yet to meet Navy in the second round and I cannot see them beating Navy on current form although the game will be at Havelock Park. Kandy will meet Navy next week at Welisara and it is difficult to see Kandy winning this game against Navy with a home ground advantage and a boisterous crowd to add flavour to the proceedings. In the six nations, surprise package France continue to entertain hopes of a grand slam and given their current form, who can argue with them. Wales and Scotland are playing some poor rugby at the moment and time is certainly running out for them to make amends. The Super rugby season will start next week and we will be spoilt for choice. (The author can be reached via [email protected])