Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Monday, 12 January 2026 00:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel at Nittawela
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CR skipper Lasindu Karunathilake on a move
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CR & FC produced a statement performance to hand defending champions Kandy Sports Club their first defeat of the Inter-Club League season, recording a hard-fought 25/20 victory at a packed Nittawela Rugby Stadium last evening. The Reds crossed for three tries, added two conversions, and two penalties, while Kandy replied with two tries, one penalty try, and a penalty in a gripping contest played under heavy rain.
CR led 17/13 at the short breather.
The visitors showed admirable composure to achieve what is considered a rare feat in local rugby, breaching the Kandy fortress. Winning in Nittawela has traditionally been one of the toughest challenges in Sri Lankan club rugby for the visiting teams, and the Reds’ ability to handle both pressure and atmosphere underlined the quality of their performance.
The result not only ended Kandy SC’s unbeaten run but also ensured that there are no unbeaten teams in the league with CR, CH, Havelock, and Kandy all having suffered at least one defeat, opening up the championship significantly with the Super Round Cup segment just three weeks away.
CR skipper Lasindu Karunathilake led from the front with a tireless all-round display, well supported by Thenuka Nanayakkara and Mursheed Doray, who were outstanding under difficult conditions. For Kandy, Dilshan Fareed, Akash Madushanka, and Dahan Wickramarachchi stood out with committed performances despite the loss.
CR settled quickly in the wet conditions, with Nanayakkara opening the scoring with an early penalty before converting a try by Fijian No. 8, Enesi Waqanisau, giving the visitors a 10–0 lead.
Kandy responded through tries by Dilshan Fareed and Dinal Ekanayake, but missed conversions once again proved costly, an issue that continued to trouble the champions throughout the match.
After the turnaround, Kandy’s kicking struggles limited their territorial control, and CR made them pay. Chatura Seneviratne slotted a long-range penalty before Naveen Marasinghe powered over from a forwards’ drive to stretch the Reds’ advantage. Kandy narrowed the gap with a penalty try following repeated infringements at a maul, but handling errors and resolute CR defence denied them a late comeback. Shaahid Zumri, who replaced Asiri Seneviratne, too played under injury concerns and put over a penalty in the later half.
The win firmly establishes CR & FC as genuine title contenders, while raising concerns for Kandy SC over their inconsistency off the tee. With Kandy set to play all their second round games in Colombo, should CH finish in the top four, the League now promises an intense and wide-open run to the decisive Super Round and Kandy will have an uphill task to defend their title without a proper place kicker. But credit should be given to the Upcountry club for not fielding any overseas players.
Referee Raveen Alexander controlled the game well.
