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Wednesday, 18 January 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
Kandy ran riot in Nittawela when they scored a convincing 50-22 win over second-placed Navy at the Nittawela rugby stadium in front of a capacity crowd.
The game was played at a hectic pace with both sides dishing out excellent rugby. Kandy dominated proceedings with some threatening moves. Their side played impressively following the return of star flyhalf Fazil Marija.
Marija, Dhanushka Ranjan and Richard Dharmapala were all spectacular. Ranjan as usual was unstoppable, scoring on two occasions. Dharmapala combined well with Marija and Ranjan to orchestrate some impressive moves. Fullback Thlini Wijesinghe too made his mark with some good touch kicks which gained a lot of good territory for the home team. In forwards play both Sayuru Anthony and Yakoob Ali came up with some powerful play.
For the sailors, centre Lee Keegale, forward Sathya Ranathunga and fullback Thilina Weerasinghe stood out. In fact Weerasinghe continued the excellent form he has shown with the boot, putting over an outstanding penalty for his team.
With this defeat Navy was pushed down to third position with one important clash against Havelocks pending. Kandy on the other hand have secured second position and pose a major threat to the Park Club, who sit at the top of the table.
In a last-minute change by the Sri Lanka rugby administration committee, referee Aruna Rankothge was replaced by 20-year-old New South Wales referee Sam Jones, who had a grand game.
CR continued their good work when they handed last-placed CH&FC a 62-3 drubbing which featured a 10-try blitz.
CH could manage only one drop goal in the whole match. CR though were unable to climb the ladder due to the top three positions resting firmly in the possession of Havelocks, Kandy and Navy.
Havelocks continued their winning form, dropping only a single game this season as they outclassed the soldiers 29-17 not only winning but also securing a much-needed bonus point in this encounter.
They will have three important teams to be deal with on their way to securing the league title. Their remaining games are against CR&FC, Navy and Kandy.
Air Force waited until the last minute to pull off a magnificent win over Police, coming from behind to beat the cops 15-13. At halftime the cops led 8-0. Police were leading 13-10 till the final minute when the winning try was scored by Number 8 Weeraratne who found a gaping hole in the defence of the tired cops to touch down for a try. The decisive try was scored by number 8 D. Weeraratne, who touched down in the 80th minute to script a stunning win. Air Force continues to sit in fifth position, while Police are fighting to stay ahead of CH&FC at seventh position. 
