Winning start for Kandy

Buwanka Udangamuwa Kandy number 8 breaks through

 Kandy SC skipper Nigel Ratwatte makes a break through

By Shamseer Jaleel 

Kandy SC 26 Points

Air Force 8 points



Kandy Sports Club, the defending champions commenced their Inter-Club 2019/2020 season on a strong note when they outclassed Sri Lanka Air Force by 26 points (four tries, three conversions) to 8 points (one try, one penalty) at Nittawela Rugby Stadium last evening.

At the short breather Kandy led 19/3.

The game was played under difficult wet conditions where the ball handling was extremely difficult. Kandy did take time to settle down in front of a half-packed stadium which was an unusual set up in the Hills when the champion outfit plays. 

Kandy did miss out on injury worries to Ranjan, Richard, Roshan, Yakoob Ali and Wilwara but their replacements were omnipresent. Nigel Ratwatte led his team well with ample support coming his way from his forwards and three-quarters combining very well. Their wingers Dange and Kavindu Perera played well with Tharinda Ratwatte too supporting through his experience. 

Thilina Wijesinghe chipped in whenever required for the champion outfit with their number 8 Buwanka Udangamuwa who had a magnificent game in attacking moves which split the Air Force all over the ground. Air Force too did play well in patches with ample support coming in from Gayantha Iddamalgoda and their hooker Prakrama Ratanayake but they lacked the finishing touches.

Kandy drew first blood in the 14th minute of the game through a Udangamuwa try. Thilina Wijesinghe added the extra two points. Kandy dominated proceedings scored their second try through Lavanga Perera. Thilina added the extras. 

Air Force scored their first points through Gayanatha Iddamalgoda’s penalty. The third Kandy try was a piece of class by Kandy winger Dilushka Dange who dashed his way for about 30 m before touching down on stroke of the short breather.

After the turnaround Kandy scored their last try through skipper Nigel Ratwatte. Kandy who scored the bonus point win was unlucky to miss out on a try scored by Udangamuwa when referee Weranga was caught on the blind side. Air Force scored their only try through hooker Parakrama Ratanayake.  Air Force made several attacking moves in the last 10 minutes of play but the Kandy defence was rock solid not allowing them to cross their line. Referee P. Weranga.

Kandy SC will host Sri Lanka Navy on 7 December.