Kandy win in spite of scare

By Aubrey Kuruppu.

Kandy SC got the better of CH and FC in a bruising forwards battle by 16 points (1 goal, 2 penalties, 1 drop goal) to 11 (1 try, 2 penalties) at Nittawela yesterday. At half time, Kandy SC led 10-8.

It was that kind of day, with a cloud burst before the match, dark clouds overhead and patches of water on the ground. To the credit of Kandy SC, in particular, they tried to run the ball but the centres hung on and Jayasinghe got few opportunities to outpace the defense.

The CH forwards played a grand game, especially in the first half, and gave as good as they got in the exchanges. But the team was guilty of a couple of glaring errors and these were punished by Nalaka Weerakkody who had a fine game. He was superb with the high ball and even turned defence in to attack. In all, he contributed 11 of his sides 16 points.

Prop Kishore Jehan charged down a CH player’s clearance from behind the goal line and followed up to score under the posts. Weerakkody added the extra points. Kandy’s line was penalized and Sajith Bandara made good with a 20 metre kick. Kandy were on the attack but Jayasinghe was served a poor pass which he missed. Weerakkody tried an acute angle drop from 35 yards out and failed.

A good cross kick by the CH centre de Silva saw Sanjeeva tackled in possession, and winger Indika Udayakumara streaked over for an unconverted try. CH’s lead was very short-lived as they were off side in a neck and Weerakkody obliged with the penalty.
Kandy had heaps of territorial advantage but were not making much headway. Weerakkody decided to make his move and promptly dropped a goal (13-8). A. Bandara penalty made it even closer (13-11).

Kandy decided to go for a penalty instead of a short top five yards from the line as time was running out. Weerakkody put it over to extend the lead to 16-11.

Referee Aruna Jayasekera didn’t do too badly, handling a potentially explosive game.

It would be helpful and cause less inconvenience to spectators on the pavilion side if the gates are opened after the match.