Defending champs Kandy to continue unconquered
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Even at the outset of the tournament Kandy SC was expected to be top of the pops. That they have justified that billing is a tribute to the quality of their players and their abundant bench strength.
Fazil Marija’s injury was the killer-blow, but they have survived and stayed afloat. Losing Lavanga Perera was akin to the man falling off the tree and being gored by a bull.
Kandy has had three games where they were tested to the limit. The Havelocks match was won 18-8 but it was tough going until the very end almost. Last Saturday’s game against the Army was one where the champions diced with death. They led 12-9 with a couple of minutes to go.
Then, of a sudden, Kandy’s talented back division produced the clincher. Winger Dhanushka Dayan rounded off a slick, speedy move that left the gutty soldiers bewildered and wondering about the injustice of it all.
Coming to the first CR and FC game, CR had all but won it when a moment of madness by one of their players spelt doom. That brings as to the return encounter between the Longdon Place and Nittawela Clubs today.
That Kandy is missing Marija is an obvious understatement. It was he who turned things round in that 22-16 win. Lavanga, too, was greatly instrumental in that triumph.
The CR must be well aware that they can turn things in their favour by capitalizing on their absence. The Army failed despite playing a very gritty and committed game. CR’s advantage is that they have a bit more nous and finesse and can round it off if Kandy is under sustained pressure.
Tharinda Ratwatte played as fly half, but, from all accounts, he was all thumbs. Ashan de Costa can operate from that position if need be. Rochana Hettiarachchi and Panduka Angammana will be among friends but it would be foolish to expect any hand outs.
Flanker Jason Dissanaike has been playing well and CR supporters must be banking on another stouthearted performance from him. Skipper Ishan Noor and flanker Sasanka Ariyaratne will have their hands full containing the powerful Kandy pack.
Out on the wings, CR have two speedy players in Sashan Mohamed and Mekalanka Pramodha. The reliable fullback Prince Chamara mans the last line of defence.
He has done a good job with the conversions. Last year’s schoolboy sensation from Royal Supun Warnakulasuriya has not made a mark in club rugby as yet.
The exit of Marija and Lavanga has not really unbalanced the team. There are too many good players for that. Srinath Suriyabandara played in the No.15 Jersey last week and proved very competent. Winger Vishwamitra Jayasinghe produced a startling try early in the army game. He’s difficult to bring down when in full flight.
When it came down to the nitty-gritty, forwards such as Suhiru Anthony, Buwaneka Udangamuwa et al have put up their hands to be counted.
Both teams have classy players and both teams will be striving for a win. Kandy, to continue at the top, and CR, to hold on to that third position. The wildly excited, raucous supporters of the champion club will tilt the balance in favour of their beloved team.
-AK