CH-Kandy clash ends in thrilling 34-all

Monday, 2 February 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CH winger Samitha Warnakulasooriya about to score a try

By Shamseer Jaleel

CH & FC turned in one of their most cohesive and spirited performances of the season but were ultimately forced to settle for a pulsating 34-34 draw against defending champions Kandy Sports Club in their Super Round encounter played last evening at the Racecourse Ground.

At half-time, CH held a deserved 19-17 lead after an entertaining opening half played at high intensity in trying Colombo conditions. From the outset, CH dictated tempo with sharper execution, greater urgency at the breakdown, and superior defensive organisation, while Kandy took time to settle and never fully hit top gear.

CH skipper Janidu Dilshan led superbly, producing an outstanding all-round display. His work rate, defensive solidity, and ability to breach the Kandy line repeatedly set the tone for CH’s dominance. The forwards complemented this effort well, with the powerful Fijian No. 8 Koli Thamanikalu making a telling impact with strong carries and control at the base, along with Janith Chandimal too shining.

For Kandy SC, it was Akash Madushanka who was excellent in the defence, making a number of tackles which kept CH away from scoring. His attack, too, was good, ending in two tries, while Kavindu Perera and Soori, too, were good in defence as well in attack. But overall, the Kandy three-quarters were below average.

CH struck first through Thanuja Maduranga and continued to apply pressure with Samitha Warnakulasooriya adding another try, capitalising on sustained territory and possession. This try was initiated through a controversial 50/22, which gave CH the throw-in from the lineout to score, but appeared to be the Kandy throw-in. Chandimal’s accurate boot ensured CH made the most of their opportunities, allowing them to stay in front for long periods. Chandimal scored the third try for the home team.

Kandy, however, showed why they are defending champions. Despite an unusually subdued display from their three-quarter line and an overall below-par performance, they stayed composed and within striking distance. Akash Madushanka and Soori scored the two tries, with Hirusha Sampath, who made a strong comeback growing with confidence, kicking both accurately and putting over a penalty in the first half.

The second half swung back and forth, with CH again edging ahead through a superb no. 8 try by Koli before Kandy responded through a Diluksha Dange try. Drawing on their championship pedigree, Kandy struck late to level the scores. CH moved ahead through a penalty try as drama continued, with the referee sending the wrong player, Praveen Charles, in to the sin bin. There was time for both Sampath and Chandimal to add a penalty each as both sides preferred to end in another draw 34/34 after their first leg too ended on 24 apiece.

While Kandy will reflect on an off-colour outing, their ability to grind out a result under pressure proved vital in clearing the first Super Round hurdle in Colombo. CH, meanwhile, can take immense credit for a performance that underlined their growth and capacity to challenge the very best, keeping the Super Round wide open.

The Referee was Aymen Jrill (Saudi Arabia).

In another Inter-Club Plate encounter, Police SC beat Army SC 29/14 at Panagoda.