Unbeaten Kandy meets last-placed Police

By Shamseer Jaleel 

Defending league and knockout champions Kandy SC, who have remained unbeaten this season, will lock horns with last-placed Police in their first encounter in the second round of the club league competition to be played at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium. 

The upcountry club is leading the points table with 40 points, followed by Havelocks at 29 points. If Kandy continue their current form they are certain to keep the league title in their clubhouse in Nittawela. Kandy will play games against Police, CH&FC, Havelocks and CR&FC at home. 

Kandy, who secured five bonus point wins in their seven encounters, are likely to have things their own way against a Police outfit which looked unsettled in round one. Coached by Shamly Nawas, the young lads have a lot to do to stop the swift Kandy three-quarter line. Third-placed Army will host CR in their first second round encounter. The soldiers are coached by Nilfer Ibrahim, who has done well to help them earn the third position by grooming them into a top unit and they could even humble Havelocks in the second round. The other game between Air Force and Havelocks should produce one-way traffic with the park club holding a clear edge. 

Once again it will be asking too much for both CH and Navy to battle it out in the first game in round two. In the first round it was CH who got the better of the sailors 27-24 in a close battle but the second leg will afford a greater advantage to Navy as they play back at home in Welisara.