Kandy’s flair sees them through

The expected humdinger of a clash did not materialize. But Kandy SC played with a bit more of their flair late in the second half to pull off 16 points (2 tries, 1 penalty,1 drop goal) to 5 (1 try) win over the CR&FC and thus regain the Clifford Cup which they didn’t contest last year.

It wasn’t the best of games, nor was it the worst. There were too many quality players involved for it to be the latter. CR enjoyed a tremendous first half in which they played with great intensity of purpose. At times Kandy seemed really rattled and unsure of themselves. To cap it all, Nalaka Weerakkody in his farewell game, made a hash of absolute sitters. He would like to forget this game. Maybe the occasion got to him.

As in the previous game, CR scored first. Flanker Kasun de Silva made a terrific break in midfield. After some short, snappy passes Wekadapola headed for the line and scored with the tackle.

Kandy stormed back shortly. From a line out 20 yards out, Walpola switched an inside pass and Saliya Kumara streaked along the right touch line and cut in to score under the posts. That made it five all at lemons.

After a good first half, the CR players tended to get a bit more physical and robust and played into the hands of their opponents.
Kandy attacked the CR line early in the second half and, off a ruck, the ball came to Weerakkody who was perfectly positioned, to drop a simple goal. (8-5)

In the 30th minute, Weerakkody who had misses three penalties from around the same spot in about six minutes, finally found the mark with an easy 30 metre kick right in front.

The high point of the match was winger Jabbar’s try that came in the final few minutes. It was a fine 35 yard effort when he streaked along the left touch line, cut in and somehow beat off a few defenders to touch down.

The gloss was taken off the game but the stoppages and referee Orville Fernando had his hands full.

Kandy annexed the Clifford Cup with this effort. But in truth it was not one of their better performances. However, a win is a win, is a win.

Dushantha Lewke was adjudged the best player of the season and received the Charles Wijewardena memorial trophy from Mrs. Lalin Wijewardena.