Nippon Paint Rugby League 2023/24: Review of Cup Final CR and FC vs Kandy SC

The galloping cavalry of the backs, combined with the stampeding elephantry of the forwards, puffed up clouds of dust on a dry and scorching turf, simulating impact of mini-canons at the final battlefield in Longdon Place, on a perfect Sunday evening, fenced by over-flowingly packed pavilions. The eccentric and electric atmosphere that prevailed was something that has been rarely witnessed in Colombo at an inter-club encounter in quite a while. While the visitors were expected to invade the battlefront with a slightly battered mindset that would reflect negatively in their gameplay, they held their heads up to put on their best show of the season, that has been well preserved for a fitting final.

After the past couple of tough encounters against sides that have devised counter tactics, it seemed like CR preferred to start mellow in their offensives, as they lacked penetration initially. Despite realising that their opponents are capable of cashing-in on every single opportunity offered at specific vantage points inside their 22, the hosts failed to plan, focus or avoid errors, but allowed the visitors to take control of the game and the scoreboard in the prior half.

CR’s first error, a high tackle committed near their 5m earned Kandy their inaugural try. Although the Reds conceded only 2 unforced knock-ons in the entire game, one of them befell around their 17m, right in front of the giant Sticks. An ineffective defence formation opened up a huge gap, while 3 defenders against 4 attackers on the side where the scrum was taken, facilitated Kandy to pluck the second Candy from the Child. The Hosts faltered once again in their 5, with another high tackle, and was in no position to defend the opposition’s backs’ third invasion, as one defender was repenting in the confessionals. 

Since the intention of the game is to score points while not conceding any, infringements and errors should be consciously evaded at locations where the oppositions could capitalise using their strengths. These sensitive points in a team’s own territory could change from one opponent to another, and the defending teams should always focus on not allowing themselves to fall prey. Perceiving events from this perspective, although quite good enough, this can be considered CR’s worst defensive effort this season.

The Reds conceded three holding-on penalties while attacking in the opposition’s territory, while two of them were in close proximity to the finish line, which deprived them of dual scoring opportunities. Though one could argue that the Kandyan Jacklers are extremely gifted with the swing of their arms, then who with a rational mind would run into them knowing that their support is far behind? Specifically rehearsed tactics are a must, against skilled specialists like these. Two crooked throws at a crucial final by a top-rated Club is not acceptable. What made one of them worse was that it ensued close to Kandy’s 10, self-destructing another scoring chance for CR. The above shortcomings of the home team, deprived them of winning by a larger margin as most expected. Although a win is a win for any team, and the margin doesn’t matter, top teams should never make so many errors in any game, let alone the final.

Kandy capitalised on a harmless attack by CR, combined with a few off-feet and offside infringements in the first half to lead 13-6. They were doing quite fine in the second, until over-adrenalised Srinath’s double trouble led the team to double jeopardy, where they not only lost him for 10 minutes, but conceded a try directly off the penalty awarded as well. A smother tackle could have prevented an immediate fourth CR try that got them into the lead, however the low tackle enabled the Ball to be passed to the winger Randy Silva by his brother. In the final minutes of play, Kandy called for a scrum for a penalty awarded in their own 30, instead of going for touch, which was quite unusual. Subsequently they lost possession and a chance of a comeback.

Although Kandy committed fewer infringements than CR, and almost the same number of unforced errors, their major setback came in the form of 3 yellow cards, which practically made them play with 14 players during 30 minutes of the game. This can be conceived as a major blow to any team during a final, and possibly the main reason for the defeat of the defending champions.

Result: CR beat Kandy 33-25