Kandy survives Air Force scare

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 03:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kandy Sports Club continued their unbeaten run in the Inter-Club Rugby League with a 36/22 bonus-point victory over Sri Lanka Air Force SC at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana over the weekend, but the performance raised as many concerns as it delivered positives.

While the champions dominated the opening half, their second-half display lacked the authority expected from title contenders but the home team stood out by planting four tires.

Kandy were ruthless in the first forty minutes, racing to a commanding 29/0 lead at the short breather. Their structured phase play, quick recycling at the breakdown, and sharp execution out wide unsettled the Air Force defence. Tries from Dilshan Fareed, Dinal Ekanayake, Heshan Jansen, Danushka Ranjan, and Dahan Wickramarachchi, coupled with two conversions from Asiri Senevirathne, underlined Kandy’s early dominance.

The visitors added another try through Kavindu Perera in the second half, but thereafter their intensity dipped noticeably. Handling errors crept in, defensive alignment faltered, and discipline waned, allowing Air Force back into the contest.

Sri Lanka Air Force deserve credit for their spirited response after the interval. Showing never gave up qualities the home side crossed the Kandy line no less than four times, with tries from Maleesha Weerakon, Shamika Kaushan (two), and a penalty try. Their improved tempo and direct running exposed cracks in Kandy’s defensive systems.

Kandy’s second-half return of just one try will be a significant talking point within the camp. Against stronger opposition, such lapses could prove costly. The yellow card to Thilina Bandara also disrupted their rhythm at a crucial phase.

With a high-voltage clash against Reds at Nittawela on 11 January, Kandy will need to rediscover their clinical edge across the full eighty minutes. While the unbeaten run remains intact, consistency and composure will be vital if they are to maintain their championship ambitions as they prepare two cracking games to play in round 1 at Nittawela against CR and Havies.

Referee was Kelum Sandaruwan. (SJ)