Tale of two cities — Kandy vs Havelock Park
The outcome of the 2017/18 league championship was decided around three to four matches ago, with unassailable Kandy SC reeling in forties, fifties and even sixties. Their lowest total in the second round was 29, and that came despite a commendable performance by the soldiers who even led them at half time.
In the light of all this, today’s game at Nittawela against the Havelocks locks the intensity and tension normally associated with a Kandy-Havies clash. Part of the reason is Kandy’s unbeaten run. Another is the indifferent form produced by the Park Club who have lost four games and drawn one.
One always talks about the talent in Kandy’s ranks. Havelocks, too, has many good players in their ranks, but they have failed to deliver. Probably, the wheels came off their campaign when they lost a close game to the CH 25-27. Their title ambitions surely ended when they were held to a draw by the Police subsequently.
On reflection, it must be difficult to swallow the fact that Danushka Rajan, probably Sri Lanka’s best centre, Ashan Darling and Ganuka Dissanaike all deserted the Park Club and a found a new home at Nittawela during the past two season.
The absence of Sudarshana Muthutantri, and the injury to Kevin Dixon certainly deprived the Havies of considerable fire-power. Yet, with proven performance in Nishon Perera, Hirantha Perera, Dulaj Perera and Chamara Dabare, Havies’ output should have been better.
The Park Club has some big names among the forwards, too. Sharo Fernando, Shenal Deelaka and Prasath Madushanka have contributed to the Havies cause throughout the season, but not in sufficient measure (or so it appears).
The experienced Dushmantha Priyadarshana and the lively scrum half Sudham Suriyarachchi should guide the Havies to better times.
The Kandy team could throw caution to the winds and aim at a big score, now that the prize has been won and only the coronation remains. Yet, with success has come pride in performance. Unbeaten so far, Gayan Weeraratne’s team would like to continue that run. Despite the present travails, the Havies remain a good side. However it is difficult to see the champions being pushed off their lofty perch by Jason Melder’s side.
Kandy has had to make do with substitutes in the last few matches as Anuruddha Wilwara and Roshan Weeraratne have missed a few matches. On top of that, Buvaneka Udangamuwe and Jason Dissanaike, two key forwards, also sat out the Army game.
Lasantha Wijesuriya selection panel would like, as far as possible, to play their best fifteen in this game. This is not to take anything away from the likes of Srinath Suriyabandara and Lavanga Perera who have done a fine job when filling in for the first choice players.
The Army put Kandy under pressure, especially in the first half, by playing some well-planned rugby. But Kandy drew on their unmatched experience and talent to ride the storm and emerge victorious.
The frenzied, raucous supporters at Nittawela would like nothing less than another win and an unbeaten run to the title. The Kandy team that has drown strength from those supporters are duty bound to fulfill those wishes.