CR pip Kandy in thriller

Monday, 16 February 2026 02:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR & FC edged out the defending champions Kandy Sports Club 17–15 in a tense, low-scoring but high-intensity Cup Segment decider of the Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/26 Super Round encounter in front of packed spectators at Longdon Place under lights on Saturday.

The result determined the venue for next weekend’s Grand Final, with the Red Shirts earning the right to host after finishing atop the table. Reds led 7–5 at the short breather.

Although Kandy had already secured their place in the final, they travelled to Colombo determined to bring the title clash back to Nittawela. However, CR displayed urgency from the outset, forcing errors and applying early pressure that saw Kandy winger Gayan Perera yellow-carded.

CR eventually broke through in the 20th minute when winger Pasindu Bandara sliced through the defence to score, with Thenuka Nanayakkara adding the conversion. Though Reds were in close distance to the Kandy try line, they failed to convert into points as Kandy’s 14-man defence was rock solid, with no gaping holes found until Pasindu broke through. Before the short breather, Kandy hit back through Tongan lock Salesi Havea, crossing in the 30th minute to narrow the gap to 7–5.

The hosts extended their lead early in the second half when No. 8 Enesi Waqanisau powered over, Nanayakkara converting for a 14–5 advantage. Momentum briefly swung Kandy’s way after CR were reduced to 13 men following yellow cards to Naveen Marasinghe and Lasindu Karunathilake, both proving their emotions ran over once again with a lack of discipline.

Kandy capitalised through Buwaneka Udangamuwa before centre Shahid Zumri produced a sharp finish in the 67th minute to edge the visitors ahead 15–14. However, missed conversions once again proved costly for the champions as their full-back, Hirusha Sampath, had a bad day at the office, missing three kickable conversions and failing to find touch on many occasions, which did not help Kandy attack from Reds territory. Further, Tongan high-ball collection was a nightmare, knocking on no less than three occasions. Only their skipper Tharindu Chaturanga and Senaka Bandara showed some class, while the injury to experienced Soori in the first half was a major setback for the Up Country club. Zumri, coming in for Soori, showed urgency but lacked support from his team.

For CR, once again Mursheed Doray was outstanding both in attack and defence. Thenuka Nanayakkara and Manilka Ruberu too played their part.

In the decisive moment, Nanayakkara calmly slotted a 78th-minute penalty to reclaim the lead and seal a dramatic 17–15 victory for CR. Despite the setback, Kandy are far from finished. As defending champions with proven big-match temperament, they now head into the Grand Final with a second chance to reclaim supremacy, this time on enemy territory when they travel for the fourth time in tandem.

Referee James Fairbourn controlled the game.

The Grand Final will take place on 21 February at Longdon Place, while the Plate final will be hosted by Air Force a day earlier at Ratmalana against Police SC. Before the Clifford Cup commences, Navy SC will lock horns with Sri Lions in the pre-quarter-final to decide the eighth team in the tournament.