Kandy edges out CR in tensed battle to clinch rugby double

Monday, 7 April 2025 04:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Unbeaten Kandy Sports Club reconfirmed their dominance and professional approach in Sri Lankan rugby by completing a rugby double for the season, clinching the Clifford Cup for a record 23rd time edging out CR and FC 41/33 in a thrilling final in front of a packed house at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

At the short breather Kandy led 17/14.

In a game played under wet conditions, including a heavy downpour in the second half, both teams showed immense grit and determination, with the lead changing hands multiple times. This was simply the best match for the entire season.

Kandy were without their star Centre, Tarinda Ratwatte out on injury. Soori led the outfit with a lot of grit and guts. Kenula Hettiarachchi and Thilina Bandara played well in forwards while in three quarters Dinal, Nigel, Ranjan, Zumri and Kavindu and scrum half Jensen were on top. This backline on attack split the CR defence number of times.

For the Reds Mursheed Doray, Omalka Gunaratne, Sayuru Anthony, Lasindu Karunathilake and Imanka Ariyapala were in peak form for the Longdon place club.

Kandy got off to a good start with a sweeping three quarter move ending in Diluksha Dange scoring a try in the 3rd minute of the game with Nigel Ratwatte adding the extra 2 points. Nigel slotted in a penalty under the posts in the 7th minute to go up 10/0.

CR responded swiftly through Chamod Muthunayake’s try, which he foxed the Kandy defenders to touch down. Mursheed Doray added the extra 2 points closing the gap to 10/7. Visitors then took the lead for the first time when Omalka Gunaratne powered over from a forward’s rush, with Doray adding the extras to make it 14/10 in favour of CR.

However, Nigel Ratwatte playing his last club rugby game for Kandy turned the tide once more for his side with a crucial try just before the break, which he also converted, helping Kandy take a slender 17/14 lead into halftime.

After the turn around, Kenula Hettiarachchi crossed the whitewash to extend Kandy’s lead to 24/14. But CR refused to back down, as Omalka Gunaratne bagged his second try to narrow the margin to 24/19. Ratwatte again proved reliable with the boot, slotting in a penalty to stretch the lead to 27/19.

The see-saw battle continued with Doray touching down in the right corner and converting to bring CR within a point at 27/26. Kandy once again fought their way into CR territory with replacement hooker, Dilshard Fareed scored through a forward’s rush. Shaahid Zumri did a beautiful corner flag conversion to take Kandy into an 8 points lead at 34/26.

The Kandy crowd went silent as Reds hit back through Manilka Ruberu try and Doray conversion to come close at 34/33, but it was Kandy’s day who had the final say with Heshan Jensen try and Nigel Ratwatte conversion to take the tense battle 41/33.

Referee was Gihan Yatawara.

Two legends Nigel Ratwatte (Kandy) and Suhiru Anthony (CR) both retired from Club rugby. Nigel also won the Player of the Tournament award.

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