Kandy and CH book Cup segment berths

Monday, 26 January 2026 03:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

CH & FC and Kandy Sports Club booked their places in the Cup segment in emphatic fashion as the Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/26 first round concluded with two absorbing encounters over the weekend.

At Longdon Place, CH & FC survived a fierce late onslaught from Sri Lanka Air Force to record a thrilling 31–29 victory in their final first-round outing.

Despite leading 17–3 at halftime and appearing to be in control for long periods, CH were forced to dig deep as the Airmen launched a spirited second-half fight-back. Calm execution in key moments and timely scores allowed CH to hold their nerve, finishing the round third on the points table with 39 points, and confirming their place in the Cup segment alongside top contenders CR, Kandy, and Havies.

CH tries were scored by Pulasthi Dissanayake, Maliksha Perera, Samitha Warunakulasuriya, and Naham Hemachandra, while Janith Chamdimal converted all four tries and also put over a solitary penalty. Meanwhile, for Air Force, their tries were scored by Kaveesha Kaluarachchi, Shashika Fernando, Parakrama Rathnayake, and Manuka Perera. Conversions were done by Gayantha Iddamalgoda and Kaluarachchi.

At Panagoda, defending champions Kandy Sports Club delivered a powerful statement with a commanding 62–17 victory over Army Sports Club.

Kandy dominated proceedings from the outset, racing to a 29–5 lead at the breather before piling on the pressure in the second half. Their attacking intent, pace out wide and clinical finishing saw them cross for 10 tries in an emphatic display of championship pedigree.

Kandy scored their tries through Gayan Perera (3), Kavindu Perera, Diluksha Dange, Kenula Hettiarachchi, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Aruna Perera, Heshan Jansen, and Udara Dias. Conversions were taken by Hirusha Sampath and Aruna Perera. Army tries were scored by Buddi Sreemantha, Chamara Jayawickrema, and Nalin Kumara. Gaurava Panila added one try conversion.

The scale of the win underlined Kandy’s depth and firepower as they move into the decisive phase of the competition. Their ability to convert pressure into points will make them a formidable force in the Cup segment.

With CR & FC topping the table, followed closely by Kandy and CH, the Cup segment now promises high-intensity clashes between the League’s best-performed sides. Havies will be the other side in the Cup segment.

After Round 1, CR lead the points table with 42 points, closely followed by defending champions Kandy SC with 41 points, while CH occupy third place with 39 points and Havies occupy fourth position in the Cup Segment with 34 points.