Fazil Marija leads Kandy SC again and faces CH&FC in opener today
View(s):Kandy SC, which has dominated the Inter- Club League over the last two decades or so, starts their quest for another triumph, today, when they host the CH and FC at Nittawela.
The club made the obvious decision to hand over the reins once more to the national skipper Fazil Marija. By dint of excellence as a player and being one who thinks on his feet. Marija stands head and shoulders above most of his peers.
When the Kandy back division sweeps ahead, given the cue by the fly half, it is a thrilling sight.The Kandy outside are their main weapon of offence.
Anuruddha Wilwara, who scored some important touch downs in the Asiad, is a proven asset on the wing. Gayan Weeraratne, at centre, is incisive and always on the hunt. Lavanga Perera, who fits in as centre or winger, is quick off the mark and a good finisher.
Former Science College lad Richard Dharmapala has been superb. A versatile player, he can fit into three or four places and do well in all of them.
The club is spoilt for choice regarding back division players as, in addition to those mentioned above, they possess in Vishvamithra Jayasinghe, one who has pure speed. Dhanushka Dayan, who played on the wing last season and didn’t do too badly, is also at hand.
Nigel Ratwatte probably has the edge over ex-Anthonian Tharindu Chanaka for the full back’s berth. Recently-arrived Srinath Sooriyabandara, reputed to be a Sevens specialist, will cause a conundrum to the selectors as they already have Roshan Weeraratne, who has been the scrum half for the past few years. The pressure has been cranked up on the latter.
From the ball carriers to the ball providers, Kandy’s forwards have invariably performed in the shadow of the more glamorous back division. In this respect, the exuberance of South African Chris Cloete will be surely felt.
Former Peterite and Navy player Suhiru Anthony’s presence makes the third row more effective. Last year’s flanker Asitha Ratnayake and Chaturanga are also available.
Interestingly, Buvaneka Udangamuwa, who made his mark as a centre for the Rajans, has been moved to the important Number 8 slot.
The front row will have leaps of candidates. Kishore Jehan has been a fixture as a prop. Piyamal Manchanayake and Jude Dmitri are in contention for the other spot.
Last year’s hooker Damith Dissanaike should be able to withstand the challenge of Uchita Jayasuriya. Hashan Kalhara could be handy if given the nod.
Sashika Jayawardena created a favourable impression last season and should continue as a lock. Gayan Ratnayake, Dimitri Wijetunga and Chanaka Bandara are fighting for the other berth.
Chairman of the Rugby Committee Lasantha Wijesuriya and Team Manager Kapila Silva have put their heads together and come up with a formidable squad.
The CH and FC team is indeed a far cry from the days of Chandrishan Perera, Saman Jayasinghe and Apisai Nagata, inter alia. Having pulled out of the second round last year, they are in the process of rebuilding.
Flanker cum prop Siddique Rifkan leads an inexperienced side against the best in the business. CH is not expected to bring down the high flyers. But a creditable performance will give them some credibility.
According to CH sources, Steve Nelson, Tharindu Hasaranga, Udara Madusanka, Prasad Perera, Lahiru Prabod, Gazali Ifthikar, Marlon de Silva (the son of Marco) and Viraj Hewage are some of the players who will turn out for the Maitland Crescent club this evening.