Kandy meet traditional nemesis CR today
Kandy has dominated CR for many years - File pic
On paper today’s SLR League Championship game is just another day in office for title holders Kandy Sports Club. But let’s not forget that whenever they take on CR&FC, the game is bound to have surprises. Though CR&FC have failed to jeopardise Kandy’s stronghold in the recent years, be it home or away, the game between the two leading sides from respective cities has much to offer, notably when it’s played at Nittawela.
With the kickoff set for 4.15pm, Kandy SC is expected to draw their fourth win of the ongoing SLR League, while CR&FC will be keen to justify travelling all the way to the hill capital from the country’s first city.
However the pressure will be on the visitors, who have just won a game out of four appearances, as they hunt to regain the brand of rugby they used to play. If they can, by any chance, create a spoiler, it will be a huge booster for CR&FC for the rest of the season. But against Kandy SC, all they could wish for is sticking to the basics and defending their territory.
With their first game, the curtain raiser of the SLR League, completing with an unexpected 16-all draw against a much improved Army outfit on January 21, it was evident that CR&FC could not digest the outcome of that game even after eight days. CR were totally taken by surprise by the Air Force, who recorded a stunning 19-11 win at Longdon Place.
But they rationalised the previous two performances by overcoming the star-studded CH&FC at home, a game of traditional rivalry. CR were well placed from the kickoff and made sure they end the ploy in a perfect manner to record a 27-22 win. But their newfound energy faced another shocker last week, when CR were beaten for a second time in the season at Welisara, in their fourth game of the competition against Navy SC. CR had the upperhand initially, leading at halftime by 10-7, but the Sailors had other ideas, and changed the whole course of the game by claiming a close 18-13 win.
CR&FC have many performers within their squad, but so far during this season no one in particular has managed to steal the limelight. If they had consistency, there are a few players CR can rely on, namely Supun Warnakulasuriya, Kanchana Ramanayake, Kavindu de Costa, Zayan Jabbar and Zubair Doray. Unfortunately Ramanayake’s appearance today will be doubtful.
They are placed fourth in the points table after four games, with a win, a draw and two losses and has gained nine points in total. CR is the third team to concede more points than they have scored next to CH and Air Force, with 75 against. They have scored 67 points in the four games, and if CR fails to get their act together, they could only add more points scored against.
Kandy on the other hand are yet to be beaten after three games and have accumulated 108 points, while conceding 45 points against. Kandy’s story so far is a total contrast to CR. In all three games, they have proved to be country’s best and professional club outfit, for the brand of rugby they have maintained consistently for years.
Despite holding on to a narrow 15-12 lead at halftime, Kandy pumped up their game in the second half to beat Air Force by 34-12 at Ratmalana on January 22. The approach was the same even after eight days against CH&FC. Kandy had a mere three point lead at halftime, with the scores reading 6-3, but they played mercilessly in the second half to thrash CH by 39-3. But the story was totally different on February 5 at Welisara against Navy SC. Despite leading the halftime by 20-6, Kandy almost choked towards the end before recording a near fatal victory of 35-30. Last Sunday Kandy was supposed to take on Army SC, but the game was postponed resulting them falling into second position, next to Havelocks in the points table.
For Kandy skipper Nigel Ratwatte, Srinarth Sooriyabandara, Tarinda Ratwatte, Diluksha Dange, Yakoob Ali and Lasith Athanagoda all have lived up to expected standards. Former skipper Roshan Weeraratne is another standout performer but he will join Damith Dissanayake to watch the game from outside the field due to injury.
Comparing the list of names, both Kandy and CR have players with similarities. Both teams have players with experience and newcomers, who are trying to make a name for themselves. The difference between the two sides — approach, discipline and professionalism, and Kandy surpasses other teams in all those aspects. For CR, the game will be about saving their honour and face, while for Kandy it will be a matter of maintaining pride and consistency.
Kandy SC: Charles Praveen, Yakoob Ali, Lasitha Athanagoda, Thilina Bandara, Chathura Soyza, Monishan Chandradas, Sanushka Abeywickrama, Jason Dissanayake, Srinarth Sooriyabandara, Nigel Ratwatte (Captain), Buddima Piyarathna, Tarinda Ratwatte, Lavanga Perera, Danushka Dange, Danushka Dyan.
CR&FC: Kaveen Madushan, Dilshan Jayah, Zayan Sabar, Gayan Dilshan, Shehan Kelaniyagoda, Imanka Ariyapala, Devinda Kumara, Thisila Devinda, Raveen Shenuka, Kalindu Nandila, Navidu Madushan, Saranga Udawatte, Ruchira Ekanayake, Eranda Harshana, Zubair Doray