League battles intensify amid refereeing debate

Thursday, 25 December 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Inter-Club Rugby League heads into a decisive weekend with four compelling encounters, where form teams are expected to assert themselves, even as concerns over officiating continue to cloud the competition.

The talking point from last week remains the Kandy SC-CH & FC clash, where poor refereeing decisions denied Kandy a deserved victory and raised serious questions about consistency and accountability. Though Kandy did not play to their potential, they still looked the better team, not deserving to end the game on equal terms.

That controversy has sharpened the focus ahead of Kandy’s visit to Longdon Place to face Sri Lions. Despite being held to a draw by CH after a legitimate try was controversially disallowed following a TMO referral even after it was cleared the online referee turned it down, Kandy have otherwise looked dominant. Having comfortably beaten Navy and Police, the champions should have too much firepower and structure for Sri Lions, with a bonus-point win firmly within reach. This encounter will be worked off at Longdon Place on 27 December.

Referee Nalin Lasantha will handle the whistle.

On the same day at Havelock Park, unbeaten Havelock SC will meet a determined Army SC in what could be the closest contest of the round. Havies have impressed with wins over Sri Lions and Air Force and a hard-fought draw against Navy. Army, meanwhile, recovered from a shortened loss to CR by beating Sri Lions. Still, on current momentum, Havies look well placed to extend their unbeaten run by yet another week.

Referee Kelum Sandaruwan will officiate.

Police SC, fresh from their first win against Sri Lions, face a daunting task against CR & FC at Police Park on 28 December. Police have struggled against stronger opposition, losing to Air Force and Kandy, while CR despite a surprise defeat to CH have shown their pedigree with wins over Police and Army. A CR bonus-point victory appears the likely outcome.

Referee Raveen Alexander will officiate.

The final fixture sees Navy SC hosting the high-riding CH & FC at Welisara on 28 December. Navy are still searching for their first win, but CH arrive brimming with confidence after their narrow victory over CR and the controversial draw with Kandy. Their ruthless approach suggests Navy may have to wait longer for points.

Jeewaka Fonseka will be the on-field referee.

As the League gathers pace, results may go as expected this week, but unless refereeing standards improve, highlighted starkly in the Kandy-CH match, the competition risks being overshadowed by controversy rather than celebrated for its rugby.

Also, in a strongly worded letter, Kandy SC have informed Sri Lanka Rugby that no future Kandy matches should be officiated by Gihan Yatawara.

All four matches will see its kick off at 3 p.m.