Kandy run riot at Nittawela
Defending league champions, Kandy Sports Club completed their ‘home run’ with a magnificent runaway win over Army Sports Club by 64 points (9 tries, 8 conversions, 1 penalty) to 19 points (3 tries, 2 conversions) at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.
At the interval Kandy led 36-0.
Kandy completely dominated the game, getting into top gear and probably the much wanted form before they travel down to Colombo for four weeks in tandem for their remaining first round matches. Their forwards and three quarters ran riot completely, punching enough holes in the weaker Army defence who were stretched to maximum.
Kandy SC centre Tharinda Ratwatte had a magnificent game. His defence was rock solid and his kicks to touch oozed class. In attack, it took more than one soldier to bring him down on many occasions. Kandy SC skipper Nigel Ratwatte, Kavindu Perera, and Buddhima Piyaratne too enjoyed a fine game in the hills in front of a packed stadium. Full back Thilina Wijesinghe’s goal-kicking was a mouth-watering event for the youngsters as he converted eight tries with top class accuracy. Sayuru Anthony stood out among the forwards.
For the soldiers their Fijian Tomasi Cachusau was outstanding in attack but he lacked the much needed support most of the time. Army full back Isuru Medagedera, scrum half Rizvi and fly half Ashan Bandara stood out for the soldiers but the lead created by Kandy was too huge.
Kandy drew first blood in the fourth minute of play through full back Thilina Wijesinghe who jinxed his way through to score and convert himself. Six minutes later winger Kavindu Perera touched down, completing a beautiful move initiated by Tharinda Ratwatte.
Kavindu Perera was replaced by Danushka Dayan.
Kandy scored three more tries through Piyarathne, Jason Dissanayake and Wijesinghe who added the extra points and also put over a penalty to give them a 36-0 lead at half time.
After the turn around, the soldiers looked a different outfit. They scored their first try through Tomasi Cachusau with Gayan Salinda adding the extra points. But Kandy hit back instantly through tries by Tharinda Ratwatte and Piyarathne. Both were goaled by Wijesinghe.
Army flanker Nalan Pramnath scored the visitors’ second try which was goaled by Salinda. But there was no stopping Kandy as they scored twice more through Piyarathne and Dissanayake before the soldiers replied with a try by Thusitha Senanayake.
Referee: Aaqil Jamaldeen