Fired-up Kandy determined to thwart Soldiers
Kandy SC, who have in their ranks some very committed and talented foreigners resumed their impressive run to the title by inflicting a 66-27 defeat on the Air Force.
One-sided it certainly wasn’t. The Airmen gave a good fight and played their part in a game that produced flowing rugby. The tries scored by the losers were organised tries. The Air Force line also worked well.
Kandy should have added another 10 points at least. On one occasion, a Kandy player dropped the ball on the try line. But all in all, it was a heartening performance by the would-be champions, who currently sit atop the table. After today’s Army game, Sean Wijesinghe’s side come out again on the seventh to take on the Havelocks in Colombo. The final game a much anticipated blockbuster — will be against the Navy on March 15 on home terrain.
Their newest recruit centre Pongi, has been a worthwhile addition. He indulges in power rugby and can take a few players with him. Chris Cloete has been the undoubted star and has innumerable touch-downs. Oscar Ouma is a versatile player who is solid in defence and quite efficient in attack.
Fazil Marija, back in his rightful place, has been orchestrating Kandy’s performance. He has not scored many tries, but he gets the line working using his proven expertise. Anuruddha Wilwara and Lavanga Perera are fast, fit and ready to go. The Weeraratne brothers — Gayan at centre and Roshan as linkman — fit in nicely into the scheme of things. The back division, thus, is a dandy, explosive unit.
Army came out as winners in the first leg clash and created quite a stir in rugby circles. Their progress since has lacked consistency. Thus, Kandy has a score to settle with the Soldiers. Army, too, is primed and ready for battle. They would do their best to show that, that early conquest was no flash in the pan. The Army team has a few players with a Trinity background. Mohamed Sashan has a lot of speed out on the wing. Randika de Alwis is a tough, ubiquitous forward and Thusila Karunatilleka plays well on the wing.
Of the other locals in the Army team, Chula Susantha, a dashing back division player, stands out. Prince Chamara is one of the Science College players who has made a mark.
Kandy SC are playing well right now and they have a certain momentum going for them. The revenge factor will also play its part. Above all, Kandy SC knows that if they drop another game, it could be contains as far as their chances of lifting the trophy are concerned. A big crowd is expected, and a no holds barred game is in prospect. Tickets will be on sale at the club from 9.00am today, according to Leslie de Soyza the Secretary of Kandy SC.