Kandy should prevail over unpredictable soldiers
List ‘A’ division referees for this year, D. Nimal, Pradeep Fernando and A.C. Tennakoon failed a “Beep Test” that is usually conducted to gauge the fitness levels of referees which was conducted under the direction and supervision of the Interim Committee officials and conducted at the CR & FC Grounds last Thursday.
Chula Dharmadasa the Interim Committee Referees Chief when contacted confirmed this and went on to say “Yes, they did not meet the mark and we have given them a time frame to improve their fitness levels and we will conduct another test for them shortly”.
It was reported that Referee Pradeep Fernando was seeing struggling during the duration of the game. He officiated in which was the league opener that was played between Navy and Hambantota Sharks at Beliatta last Friday.
Kandy who thumped the wind out of the Airmen last week and Army who put up a solid performance but eventually lost to CR, are down to test their wits in the their first round encounter in the Dialog sponsored ‘A’ Division club league tournament at the Race Course Grounds today.
Kandy who on paper looks the better side should not take it easy in spite of beating the Army over the years, as this time around the Soldiers are predicted to spring a few surprises over the much fancied sides they counter this season.
Kandy in action in their previous game
Kandy who got their combination and perhaps everything they touched right in their first game scored their points at will against the Airmen. As much as nine players crossed the line in what was a combined effort that ran circles round their opponents that day. There were more points on the score board than minutes played in the first half as they led 47/6 at lemons. The Hill Capital lads are going flat out to make amends for the two previous years inconsistent performances. Though they lost their top position in the run, they have some great players on the park in – Anuruddha Wilvara, Buvaneka Udangamuwa , Saliya Kumara, Fazil Marija, Danushka and Kishore Jehan who all had a superb game last week. Kandy has perhaps made a wise investment in signing three brilliant foreign players this season. Quinton Crocker and Chris Cloete are two outstanding South Africans who have instantly gelled in well with the team. The other is Eroni Gadola the Fijian power horse who brings in muscle into the pack.
Army on the other hand have also regrouped well and put up a stern performance against CR in their opener to take a remarkable lead at the half way mark and did position themselves to take the game away from the ‘Red Shirts’. Sadly they crumbled in a heap in the second half to lose a game that they should have won. However Army does have what it takes to give Kandy a torrid time with their five star foreigners, who on their day and with the support of their local boys could produce the magical formula to achieve the impossible. Pio Tuwai (Fijian), Samuela Saqiwa (Fijian) both sturdy forwards are joined by the nimble footed centers in, Kilifi Latu (Tongan), Sosai Palai(Tongan), Epi Kokanasiga (Fijian).
Army’s Full back Prince Chamara and speedy winger Kavinda Perera who had a superb game last week will also require the swiftness of scrum half Andrew Benson to feed his line a bit quicker this time around than last week. The two flankers Upul Abeyratne and Migara Madugalle who both attacked and defended stoutly in their last game are capable of thwarting Kandy’s attack.