Can we write off CH and FC’s chances at Nittawela today?
It would be pardonable to write off CH&FC’s chances when they take on the mighty Kandy Sports Club team at Nittawela today. Facts speak with overwhelming precision, and with one win in four games, the Maitland Crescent club cannot be all that upbeat about their prospects.
A closer look at their results would indicate that they lost to the Havelocks and CR&FC by a solitary point, in games that could have ended either way. Last Saturday they were defeated by the Army as a result of a stunning team effort by the Soldiers. CH has only a win over the lowly Air Force team to show for all their exertions.
Is the CH all that bad? The answer is that they haven’t delivered despite having some big names. A line up consisting of Anuruddha Herath, Ryan Weerakoon, Nishon Perera and Naveen Henakankanamge cannot be a bad one. They also have last season’s crack Havies centre Hirantha Perera, who now plays at fullback.
Skipper Yoshitha Rajapaksa did not play against the Army. If he returns, the team will certainly be a far more confident side. One recalls that splendid last gasp attempt at a try by Rajapaksa at Nittawela last year.
Sudarshana Muthuthantri was not at his best last week. Satya Ranatunge will also return to strengthen the CH. Rohitha Rajapaksa, Henry Terrence, Chathura Dilshan et al will have a battle on their hands to counter the marauding Kandy pack.
Samuel Maduwantha, the CH’s prized possession, came back to form against the Army, after a moderate performance in the previous game. With his superb place-kicking and the long touch he finds, CH will be banking heavily on him. Maduwantha and his link man Sudam Sooriyarachchi hit it off well. They will have to continue in that vein to get their team into attacking positions and, then, hopefully, the backs can deliver.
The manner in which the Kandy team cleared a major hurdle by beating CR&FC indicates that the champions have now hit their straps. Shehan Pathirana had a fine game, as did Number 8 Buwaneka Udangamuwe. They were in the thick of the battle and, invariably, came out on top. Yaqoob Ali is another tireless forward who is very committed.
Kandy’s wonderful back division continue to have the bragging rights. Skipper Richard Dharmapala and Danushka Ranjan, the centres, played their part. The former has not been among the tries, and this could be a worry. Speedy Vishwamithra Jayasinghe always poses a threat. Danush Dayan almost scored during a brief appearance.
Nigel Ratwatte, the fly half, plays a heady game. His ball distribution is generally good. Roshan Weeraratne will have to step up to the plate in this important clash. Thilina Weerasinghe, like his kicking counterpart Maduwantha, has an influential role to play. Wijesinghe’s kicking in the last couple of games has been near-faultless.
A look at the teams would indicate that Kandy has more talent and experience. However, it would be good for the CH to realise that one hundred percent commitment and spirit can move mountains. The Army showed that!.