By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy Sports Club, the defending league and Clifford Cup champions, will be tested fully when they confront the “Red Shirts” today, kicking off week five of the Inter-Club League Rugby Championship which will be worked off at the Race Course grounds today.

CR&FC though failed to overcome their traditional rivals Havies 18-34. They have done reasonably well to win the rest of their matches against Army, CH and Police. Coached by Imthisam Marrikar, arguably the best coach available, with his fast knowledge in the game here and overseas, CR&FC are capable of delivering much better than what they have done so far this season. Led by lanky Ishan Noor, they have got ample youth talent and with players such as Kanchana Ramanayake, Shashan Mohamed, Costa brothers playing for the “Red Shirts” anything is possible.

On the other hand, Kandy playing three of their four matches at home looked unstoppable. Even the Colombo game against the Cops turned out to be a one-sided affair, with Kandy scoring half-a-century-plus points. They have missed out on the half-a-century only against the Army; that too was a close one with 44 points. Kandy SC’s main worry has been their poor kicking, which cost them a few games last season. After their local Pele (Nalaka Weerakody) hung up his boots, no one could fill his position till last season. But now, with Jamaldeen returning to Kandy, that too looks well tightened up with no space for error. He, being outstanding with his touch and place kicking, is a useful player joining the line at the overlap. Their line looks in mint condition with skipper Fazil Marija, Gayan Weeraratne, Lavanga Perera and Richard Dharmapala all playing at their best. The main worry for the Head Coach Sean Wijesinghe is to find a place for Wilwara and Shehan Pathirana, both fit to play today.

Both Air Force and CH&FC will be looking for their first win this season when the Air Force hosts the CH&FC at Ratmalana. On books, Air Force should pull it off without much difficulty.

On Sunday there will be two matches down for decision. The first one at the Army grounds when the Soldiers host the Havies, with the Park Club having the edge, keeping their unbeaten tag till this game. Players such as Dhanushka Ranjan, Sandun Herath and Sudarshan Muthuthanthri are hard to stop. Much will be expected from the Soldiers from skipper Jayalal and fullback Gayan Salinda.

The second game on Sunday will be the closest one this week when the Sailors host the Cops. Navy lost out to Army and Havies while the Cops lost out to CR&FC and Kandy. The Police have ample talent with players such as Bilala Hassen, Mohamed Sheriff and Reza Mubarak, who could walk into any team.

Sri Lanka’s chances fade away for Youth World Cup berth

Sri Lanka junior rugby players chances of qualifying for the Youth Rugby World Cup in Zimbabwe next year’s faded away when they were beaten by Hong Kong 24/13. Sri Lanka had a very good chance if the penalties and try conversions were accurate which could have made the difference.

Sri Lanka beat hosts Singapore 27/12 on the initial day of the tournament. Sri Lanka will play their last tour match against Taipei on Saturday. Hong Kong will play Singapore and is very likely to remain on top once again and represent at the Youth World Cup next year.

Sri Lanka team is coached by Sanath Martis with Colin Dinesh assisting. The outfit is led by Omalka Gunaratne with Kevin Dixon being the deputy.