Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Friday, 12 January 2024 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
The historic rugby traditions between the two leading clubs in Colombo, CR and FC and Havelock SC will scrum down in their traditional encounter played for the Matthysz Trophy on 13 January at Longdon Place. This will be the pick of the games for week six of the Inter-Club rugby tournament.
This annual traditional match promises a spectacle of historical significance, fierce rivalry, and adrenaline-pumping rugby action. The Matthysz Trophy holds a prestigious place in the rugby calendar, symbolising not only the excellence of the teams but also the enduring tradition that has stood the test of time.
Rugby crazy fans from across the country are invited to witness this exhilarating match, where the spirit of the game converges with the legacy of these two venerable clubs. Speaking to Daily FT, CR and FC President Tikiri Ellepola said, “Gates will be free of charge by the Longdon Place club in order to promote the game and encourage everyone including schoolboys and girls to come and watch this game. Throughout the season we did not have gate charges. We encourage all rugby fans to come and support their teams on 13 January.”
Chief Guest for the event is First Capital Equities Managing Director Jaliya Wijeratne and guests of honors are Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy and Hanzil Samad, both distinguished members of the Sri Lankan rugby outfit in 1974 when they secured the runners-up position to Japan in the Rugby Asiad.
Week six games will commence today with the Sri Lanka Air Force meeting Sri Lanka Army. Both teams are out of contention in the Cup segment as they will end up in the bottom half and will play in the Plate in round 2. Air Force did well to beat Navy and go down fighting to a much- fancied CH and FC outfit 10/14 last weekend. A close encounter is expected.
Meanwhile, defending champions, Kandy Sports Club will be in Colombo for the very last time in round one when they confront Sri Lanka Navy SC at Welisara. The Up-Country outfit led by Lavanga Perera is expected to pull it off, though a few unsettled moments could be created by the Sailors. Kandy will be at home to play CR in their last game at Nittawela in week eight which could be the title deciding encounter between the two top teams. Kandy is expected to bring back their injured forwards, Praveen Charles and Lasith Attanagoda into play at least for one half.
The CH and FC vs Police SC encounter will decide the number four team to play in the Cup segment during round two. Both teams though playing well have been inconsistent in their game during their first five games.
Matches
12 January
At Ratmalana
Referee Sarath Madugalle
13 January
At Longdon Place
Referee Raveen Alexander
At Welisara
Referee Ishanka Abeykoon
14 January
At Police Park
Referee Hasantha Weranga
