Clash of two unbeaten sides; Kandy and Havies awaits

Club Rugby defending champs CR will host Army SC this weekend 

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Mastercard Club Rugby League enters its Week 4 with a series of thrilling encounters lined up, headlined by the unbeaten titans Kandy SC and unbeaten Havelock Sports Club clashing at Havelock Park on 4 January. With multiple teams fighting for crucial points and momentum, fans are in for a weekend filled with excitement, grit, and high-quality rugby action.

Navy SC vs Air Force at Welisara

The action kicks off on 3 January as Navy SC takes on Air Force SC at Welisara.

Navy SC will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a much-needed win. Meanwhile, Air Force, known for their resilience and disciplined gameplay, will aim to disrupt Navy’s plans and claim victory on enemy turf. Navy is yet to register a win in their three outings while Air Force beat CH and FC in their first outing at Ratmalana.

In the women’s fixture earlier in the day, Navy SC Women’s will face Air Force Women’s at 2:30 p.m. Both teams will bring passion and determination to this encounter, making it an exciting curtain-raiser which is expected to be witnessed by a large crowd.

CR & FC vs Army SC at Longdon Place under lights

On January 3 under lights the unbeaten CR and FC will host gutsy Army SC at 6:30 p.m.

Defending League champions. CR and FC beat Sri Lions and Navy in their opening two games after having a bye week in the initial one will be going flat out to continue their winning streak. CR are giving ample opportunity for school leavers having tested more than 7 of them so far in their two matches. Meanwhile Army SC won the abrupt ended Police game and Sri Lions but were shell shocked when Kandy ran circles around them at Nittawela in an one sided affair losing out 5/70.

The women’s teams of CR and FC and Army SC Women’s will clash earlier in the day at 4.30 PM, promising another intense encounter filled with energy and determination. Once again in order to get the crowd back into club rugby games the Longdon Place club will not charge any fee from the spectators.

CH & FC vs Sri Lions at Race Course Ground 

CH & FC will lock horns with Sri Lions at Race Course Ground on 4 January.

CH & FC still to get into form and combination will be under pressure to deliver in front of their home supporters. Under the most experienced coach, Sanath Martis, CH and FC look a formidable outfit and they need to settle fast if they do not run out of time.

Sri Lions, too making their debut this season, had a tough start losing out to Kandy SC and CR and CR and FC but were expected to give some quality rugby against Army SC but they failed to space out the entire 80 minutes of play and in the end ended on the losing side.

Havelocks vs Kandy SC at Havelock Park

The weekend’s marquee matchup will unfold on Saturday evening as Havelock SC host Kandy SC at Havelock Park at 4.15 pm Havies already informed Kandy SC on their light system giving issues and wanted to play the game at 3.45 pm.

Kandy already made their travel plan and had agreed to commence the game at 4.15 p.m.

Both teams remain unbeaten in their three outings so far, and this clash could very well determine the frontrunner for the league title. Kandy SC, with their experience and attacking firepower, will aim to assert dominance early in the game. Kandy having the best of the three quarter line looks very dangerous. Soori, Nigel, Ranjan, Kavindu and Dinal could run around the Park side outfit. Adding to this Tarinda Ratwatte kick at goal and play will be another headache for the Park Club.

Havelocks, on the other hand, will rely on their strong defensive setup and disciplined structure to keep Kandy’s potent attack in check. Led by Abdullah Faiz they too possess some rock solid forwards who could pose a threat but on books Kandy should pull it off in the end and continue their unbeaten run this season.

This week’s schedule

• 3 January 

Navy SC vs Air Force

Referee Raveen Alexander

CR & FC vs. Army SC 

Referee Aruna Shantha

• 4 January

CH & FC vs Sri Lions

Referee Gihan Yatawara

Havelocks vs Kandy SC

Referee Kelum Sandaruwan