Superb second-half rally props CH to even with Kandy

Monday, 22 December 2025 03:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending League champions Kandy Sports Club were forced to settle for a share of the points as CH & FC produced a stirring second-half comeback to earn a 24-all draw in their Inter-Club A Division encounter at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

In a match that swung dramatically after the short breather, Kandy scored four tries and two conversions, while CH replied with three tries, one conversion, and a crucial penalty try to level the contest.

Kandy dominated the opening half with authority and purpose, settling quickly into their rhythm on home turf. Their forwards laid a solid platform, recycling possession efficiently and allowing the backs to attack with confidence. Dilshan Fareed was outstanding, powering over for two well-earned tries, while Dahan Wickramarachchi and Shaahid Zumri also crossed to underline Kandy’s early supremacy.

Zumri added a conversion as Kandy surged to a commanding 17/5 lead at the short breather. CH’s only first-half reply came through Janith Chandimal, as the visitors struggled to contain Kandy’s tempo and were largely restricted to defensive duties during the opening 40 minutes, though scoring first in the second minute of the game.

Key contributions for Kandy came from Dinal Ekanayake, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Dilukha Dange, and Zumri, who ensured the Central Hills outfit controlled both territory and possession. For CH, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Maliksha Perera, and Dharshana Dabare battled tirelessly in a difficult first half, while overseas recruit Serupepeli Turuva was forced off early through injury and replaced by Kori Tomanikalu.

The complexion of the match changed dramatically after the short breather. Although Kandy managed to add another try, a series of handling errors and missed opportunities proved costly. CH sensed the shift in momentum and responded with renewed urgency, tightening their structure and increasing intensity at the breakdown.

The visitors struck back through tries from Pulasthi Dassanayake and Koli Tomanikalu, while a penalty try in the last minute of the game put both sides on equal terms. Maliksha Perera kept the scoreboard ticking with two vital conversions, as CH piled on 19 second-half points to erase the deficit and silence the Nittawela crowd.

While CH will take immense confidence from a spirited comeback that showed belief against the defending champions, Kandy will be left reflecting on missed chances. Handling errors and inconsistent goal-kicking, issues evident in previous outings, once again proved costly.

Both teams remain unbeaten after three matches, with referee Gihan Yatawara overseeing a pulsating contest that lived up to its billing.