Kandy eye League plum after Ratmalana massacre
Kandy SC showcased their well-structured game plan, scoring seven tries, six conversions and a penalty to reach the half-century mark. In contrast, the home side managed three tries and a conversion in a game where they struggled to match Kandy’s tempo and precision.
After a shaky start Kandy SC pummelled the Airmen 50-17 - Pic courtesy ThePapare
However, it was Air Force who struck first in the ninth minute when No.8 Shashika Fernando powered his way over the try line for an unconverted score, giving the hosts an early 5-0 lead. The home side’s aggressive start briefly unsettled Kandy, but it was only a matter of time before the visitors imposed their dominance.
Leading points scorer of the season, Kandy SC’s playmaker and flyhalf Tarinda Ratwatte, opened his account with a penalty in the 12th minute, narrowing the gap to 5-3. From that moment on, Kandy SC systematically dismantled the Air Force defence with their structured play and superior fitness.
Kandy’s first try came in the 25th minute through centre Dhanushka Ranjan, whose blistering pace and powerful finish, coupled with Ratwatte’s conversion, put the Hill Capital Club ahead 10-5. The momentum firmly shifted in Kandy’s favour as their dynamic attack began to carve open the Air Force defence with clinical precision.
Five minutes later, No.8 Dahan Wickramarachchi crashed over for Kandy’s second try, and Ratwatte’s reliable boot added the extras to extend the lead to 17-5. The visitors’ backline continued to operate with fluidity, and in the 34th minute, winger Dinal Ekanayake capitalised on a defensive lapse to touch down. With Ratwatte’s conversion, Kandy’s lead stretched to 24-5, and the star fly-half crossed the 100-point mark for the season in the process.
Before halftime, Kandy’s No.8 Wickramarachchi, braced a try in the 38th minute, once again converted by Ratwatte, taking the score to 31-5 at the break. Kandy’s ability to exploit defensive gaps with well-coordinated forward drives and swift backline moves underlined their tactical superiority.
Air Force showed some resilience at the start of the second half, with flyhalf Gayantha Iddamalgoda converting a try in the 45th minute to cut the deficit to 31-12. However, Kandy responded almost immediately as lock Thilina Bandara powered over for a try in the 53rd minute. Ratwatte’s accurate boot extended the margin to 38-12.
Bandara struck again in the 58th minute, this time for an unconverted try, pushing Kandy further ahead at 43-12. The relentless visitors continued to pile on the pressure, and winger Diluksha Dange added another try in the 63rd minute, with Ratwatte slotting in the conversion to breach the 50-point mark.
Air Force managed a late consolation try in the 70th minute, with No.8 Shashika Fernando securing his second try of the match. However, a missed conversion by Iddamalgoda, pressured by Kandy’s Shahid Zumri, summed up the home side’s frustrating evening.
The final whistle confirmed Kandy SC’s emphatic 50-17 victory, reinforcing their dominance as the team to beat this season. Their structured attack, relentless defence, and disciplined execution ensured they maintained their unbeaten run while establishing their position at the top of the Cup Segment standings.