Kandy run riot at Nittawela
Kandy Sports Club delivered a clinical performance to secure a commanding 70-5 victory over Army Sports Club in their second-week clash of the SLC-Mastercard Club Rugby League 2024 at Nittawela yesterday. Dominating both halves, Kandy took a massive 39-5 lead at halftime, leaving the visitors shell-shocked.
Kandy’s prolific fly-half, Tarinda Ratwatte, was at the heart of the victory, contributing with precise kicking and impactful playmaking. The hosts amassed their points through nine tries, eight conversions and three penalties, while Army’s lone highlight came early in the game with the first try of the match.
Army struck first in the 13th minute with a well-executed try, briefly leading 5-3 after an early penalty conversion by Kandy. However, the joy was short-lived as Kandy’s forwards took charge, with No.8 Daham Wickramarachchi muscling his way over the line in the 21st minute. Ratwatte’s conversion saw the home team take a 10-5 lead.
Barely a minute apart, centre Danushka Ranjan pierced through Army’s defence for his first try, though Ratwatte’s conversion attempt bounced off the post. Ranjan soon followed up with his second try, courtesy of a smooth backline move involving Heshan Jansen and Ratwatte. With the conversion, Kandy surged ahead 22-5.
By the 31st minute, Kandy’s relentless pressure paid off again as Jansen dived over for the fourth try following a clever offload by Dinal Ekanayake. Ratwatte’s flawless conversion pushed the lead to 29-5. Ratwatte further extended the lead with a stunning 50-metre penalty kick in the 35th minute, and Kavindu Perera added the fifth try with a dazzling step and sprint around the posts. Ratwatte’s reliable boot ensured a 39-5 lead at halftime, firmly establishing Kandy’s dominance.
The second half began with Kandy continuing their onslaught. In the 41st minute, Malitha Wijesundara crashed over near the posts, and Ratwatte converted to extend the lead to 46-5. Ratwatte himself joined the whitewash in the 54th minute, further displaying his all-around brilliance. His conversion made it 53-5. Nepul Athukorala then scored in the 60th minute, though he was injured in the process. Ratwatte’s accuracy with the boot continued, taking Kandy to 60-5.
Despite the commanding lead, Kandy showed no signs of slowing down. Ratwatte added another long-range penalty in the 67th minute, and Ekanayake sealed the deal in the 74th with a stylish diving try. Ratwatte capped the scoring with yet another conversion, leaving Kandy at an unassailable 70-5.
This emphatic victory highlights a significant improvement in Kandy’s form compared to last season. Their forwards dominated scrums and mauls, while their backs exploited gaps in Army’s defence with precision. Ratwatte’s near-flawless kicking (missing only a conversion) and the team’s collective effort underline their potential as title contenders this season.