Fortress Nittawela under siege: Kandy and Havies set for defining clash

Saturday, 17 January 2026 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Both sides evenly matched on form and confidence

By Shamseer Jaleel

One of the most eagerly awaited encounters of the Inter Club Rugby League 2025/2026 will unfold when defending champions Kandy Sports Club host Havelock Sports Club at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium on 18 January, with kick-off at 3.30 p.m.

With the league race finely poised, this showdown could have a decisive bearing on the eventual title outcome.

Kandy SC enter this contest after a rare mixed run, by their lofty standards. The champions suffered a narrow 20/25 defeat to CR and FC in their last outing and were earlier held to a 24/24 draw by CH and FC. However, in the rest of their fixtures, Kandy have dominated proceedings, securing emphatic bonus-point victories.

Havelock SC have also navigated a challenging campaign. They opened with a draw against Navy SC and later went down to traditional rivals CR and FC. Since then, Havies have steadily gathered momentum, winning their remaining matches and reasserting themselves as serious contenders for league honours.

This fixture therefore shapes up as a pivotal clash, with both sides evenly matched on form and confidence. With so much at stake, the contest promises championship intensity and high-quality rugby.

Havelock, led by Janidu Fernando have shown marked improvement with every game. Their most recent performance was outstanding, as they completely outplayed CH and FC 39/5, a result that highlighted their growing cohesion, physical dominance and attacking sharpness.

Key contributors for Havies include Abdullah Faiz, Jayathu Rajarathna, Azmir Fajudeen and Sudesh Jayawickrema, all of whom have been consistent throughout the season. Fullback Samuel Maduwantha, a dependable long-range kicker, is yet to fully hit top form, and this match could be a defining moment for the Katugastota school product.

Kandy SC, captained by Tharindu Chaturanga, continue to boast arguably the most potent three-quarter line in the league. Danushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, Diluksha Dange and Kavindu Perera provide pace, creativity and finishing power, while scrum-half Heshan Jensen adds control and class at the base.

Veteran fullback Srinath Sooriyabandara brings over 16 years of club rugby experience, offering calm decision-making and positional awareness. Forwards such as Senaka Bandara and Dilshan Fareed have also played key roles in maintaining Kandy’s physical edge.

Kandy’s main concern remains goal-kicking following the sudden retirement of Tarinda Ratwatte, compounded by the injury to Asiri Seneviratne. If the game becomes a tactical kicking battle, Havelock has the advantage, but in open play Kandy’s backline could prove decisive.

While Havelock arrive with strong momentum after their emphatic win over CH, Kandy’s home advantage, championship pedigree and familiarity with the Nittawela conditions give the defending champions a slight edge. Credit must also go to Kandy for backing local talent, fielding no overseas players so far this season. This is yet another battle between two great former Kandy SC and National players, Saliya Kumara and Fazil Marija coaching Havies and Kandy respectively.

Referee Raveen Alexander, who did a good job in the recent Kandy–CR clash, will officiate what promises to be a classic encounter.