Kandy secure league for 18th time

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending Inter Club League champions, Kandy Sports Club displayed champagne rugby to retain the league trophy for yet another year at their club house at Nittawela. Kandy fought back in the second round after two unexpected defeats at the hands of Air Force and Navy in the first round. It was pure team work by the Kandy team who not only beat the Havies on bonus points but also got the maximum points with one more game against CH & FC to be played this weekend.

Second half burst too much for Havies

Kandy SC 26 points

Havelocks SC 11 points

A must-win game for both, a close first half saw both teams dishing out some quality rugby but experience and exposure of Kandy lads was too much as they ran riot with 4 tries to seal the game with a bonus point win. This leaves the trophy in the Up Country for the 18th occasion and the Havies having one more game against Navy will be no push over. For Kandy things are greener after their initial round hiccups with two defeats. But the outstanding three quarter outfit re-grouped and played a professional rugby and team work and commitment was at top in order to seal the trophy at Nittawela. Kandy could have piled up 50 plus points had they shifted Nigel Ratwatte to full back and brought in Gayan Weeraratne after about 20 minutes since of young Tharindu Wijesinghe finding no accuracy in his kicks at goal which cost Kandy at least 25 points in the game.

For Kandy once again in tandem it was the dangerous electrifying speed of Rajan and Dharmapala both playing at their peak. Each of their moves was unstoppable. They were well supported by the return of their skipper Roshan Weeraratne who played from the base and fly half Fazil Marija too had a grand game along with forwards Sayuru Anthony, Yakoob Ali and Damith Dissnayake. For the Park Club Sharo Fernando, Muthuthanthri, Hirantha Perera and scum Half Rahul de Silva stood out. 

Kandy should be applauded for their hard work and commitment plus team work. Hats off to their Head Coach, Sean Wijesinghe, Manager Kapila Silva, Rugby Chairman, Lasantha Wijesuriya and trustee Malik Samarawickrema and their sponsors Cargills, Etisalata and Singer. Great work by Havies and their Head Coach Ronny Ibrahim for bringing the team to this great with a young outfit after losing many top players to other clubs this season.  

Navy edges out CR

Navy SC 37 points

CR & FC 34 points

Navy displayed quality rugby to inflict CR & FC’s third successive defeat in a row in the league rugby tournament. The difference between the two sides was the two tries after Navy led 21/19 in the initial half with CR & FC lacked basic planning for their entire 80 minutes. With the Clifford Cup knock out coming their way they will need to put their basics correct if they are to make a mark for themselves. For the Sailors Chanaka Chandimal, Dulanjana Wijesinghe and Thilina Weerasinghe played well. For the Red Shirts Omalka Gunaratne and Shashan Mohamed played their hearts out.

Air Force continue their good work

Air Force 53 points

CH & FC 17 points

Air Force continued their good form in tandem this season when they outclassed the last placed CH & FC by 50 plus points at Ratmalana. They lived up to high standard and could bring a surprising package in the Clifford cup which will kick off in two weeks.

Police in shocking win over Army

Police SC 27 Points

Army 21 points

Cops after a disastrous season made a surprise win over the much fancied Solders 27/21 to have some hope in the Clifford Cup knock-out tournament later this month.