Army “Dark Horse” out to claim number 4

By Shamseer Jaleel

Army Sports Club after their two unthinkable performances late in the league against the defending champions, Kandy SC and Navy SC, will be all out to continue their winning performance. Securing the number 4 position in the league is highly likely when they confront CR & FC who have lost their direction at present.

Army displayed some outstanding rugby after being inconsistent in the initial round and hit back into top form against Kandy up in the hills. Ashoka Jayalal, the veteran forward playing club rugby for more than a decade, led the forward line in an outstanding manner. Rizvi operating from the base being spot on with his decision either to kick or work the three quarter line was a major advantage for the soldiers who were on top in fitness level. Madagedera and Gayan Salinda coming in late stood out in the kicking area.

On the other hand CR & FC was headed by Omalka Gunaratne being the only player from the forwards who played his heart out for the Red Shirts despite discipline issues within the team and resignation of Nilfer Ibrahim as the Head Coach all of a sudden in the middle of the season. Tharinda Ratwatte was dropped on many occasions but still the CR & FC outfit failed to win those matches, not being able to find a suitable replacement of his high quality. Reza Rafaideen was outstanding both in attack as well in defence. In kick at goal too he stood out for the Longdon Place Club. On form Army should pull it off and climb up in the position.

Referee Dinka Peiris

Kandy to return with a win at home

Kandy Sports Club will be playing their last league game at Nittawela when they confront the sailors. Kandy after their shocking defeat against the soldiers two weeks back should put things in order and maintain the lead in the League which they do at present by 3 points over the second placed Havies. If both teams continue to win, it will be a titanic battle when they lock horns on 16 February at Havelock Park under lights.

Kandy will be at full strength with Buwanka Udangamuwa returning to the team. Yakoob Ali, Roshan Weeraratne, Dhanushka Ranjan, and Thilina Wijesinghe all in cracking form should be playing at their best to win this game. Sooriyabandara will return to replace Roshan Weeraratne in the latter half.

Meanwhile sailors will be led by kicking sensation Thilina Weerasinghe along with Kasun de Silva, Musheen Faleel and Mohamed Abzal in great from. As a team the sailors are yet to get into top form but it could be too late as the season is coming to an end with only three more games to go. On form Kandy should pull it off with a win.

Referee Rohan Fernando

CH out to continue number 3

CH & FC who are doing well in round 2 should accumulate another win when they confront the cops who narrowly missed out a win against Kandy SC last weekend.

Anuradha Herath, Samuel Maduwantha, Sajith Saranga, Naveen Heenakankanmge and Sudam Sooriyarachchi all given their best for the CH & FC outfit who are very likely to end in the top four for the Super round. Police on the other hand were not able to put the finishing touches for the good work done by them. They failed to last the full game of 80 minutes. If they have done this they should have been easily in the top four by now. Some referee decisions too went against the cops in many games which was costly in the end. CH & FC should pull this off in a close call.

Referee Priyantha Gunaratne

Havies to maintain winning form

The Park Club shut many gaps when they were written off in the inception of the season. Veteran coach Sanath Martis the tough guy had motivated the youngsters with very few big names among club rugby. Sharo Fernando, Dinuk Amarasinghe, Niroshan Fernando and Reza Mubarak all displayed quality rugby and the return of peak form by Dabrare and Mithun Hapugoda later in the season was a bonus for the Havies. Air Force too was hit with a virus of inconsistency in the season, with only a few including Iddamalgoda and Seelagama doing their job and failing to get support from the team. On form Havies should pile up with yet another win.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon