Commanders Cup Rugby 2021 second leg: Both sides equally matched

By Shamseer Jaleel

Hosts – Sri Lanka Air Force and CH & FC will lock horns in the second leg of the Commanders Cup 2021 rugby encounter, which will be worked off at Ratmalana tomorrow (20 August). Kick-off is scheduled for 4.45 p.m.

CH & FC edged out the home team 23-21 with the help of a last-minute penalty by Thenuka Nanyakkara. But coming into this game, no one will have a huge advantage, as both teams are equally matched with CH & FC having a superior three-quarter line, while the Sri Lankan Air Force outfit hold a rock solid forwards, proving very difficult to break through them. The only plus point for the visitors will be their two points lead in the first leg which will be carried forward for the second leg. The winner will be decided on the aggregate from both the matches.

CH & FC’s place kicker, the former Peterite Thenuka Nannayakkara, was outstanding and omnipresent. His kicking accuracy was extremely impressive. Their nippy scrum half Sudam Sooriyarachchi, prop and skipper Prasad Madushanka and Omalka Gunaratne were outstanding in both defense as well in attack.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka Air Force too had a good game with Gayantha Iddamalgoda and hooker Prakrama Ratnayaka playing their hearts out. Actually, Prakrama’s try and another forwards rush took the home team almost through but for the penalty by Nanayakkara put them on the wrong side in the end. 

This event is organised by Sri Lanka Air Force led by Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana, the former Rajan and golfer, well supported by the former Thurstan ruggerite Group Captain Subash Jayathilake.

CH & FC

Prasath Madushanka (Capt.), Joel Perera, Senura Perera, Yohan Fernando, Wajid Fawmy, Omalka Gunaratne, Shehan Diasz, Sudam Sooriyaarahchci, Avishka Lee, Kushan Indunil, Reza Raffaideen, Hirantha Perera, Rohitha Rajapakse, Janidu Dilshan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Rashen Gunawardena, Avantha Lee, Hirusha Sampath, Chinthaka Lahiru, Shemal Weerasekara, Kevin Dixon, Udara Lakshan, Shenuka Herath and Malinga Sheshan.

Forwards Coach: Rajeev Perera

Air Force

W.A.K. Perera (Capt), T.D. Fareed, R.M.O. Ratnayake, H.M.R. Perera, R.A. Hettiarachchi, M.A.S. Fernando, G.M.I.C. Aponso, U.N.G. Silva, U.V.P. Weralla, K.G.C. Senenviratne, R. Rumesh, W.W.S. Thilakrane, J.P.I. Madushan, W.M.S. Bandara, A.K.M. Ali, S.S.M. Kaushan, K.N.W. Wcikremasinghe, Y.D. Perera, H.R. Wasantha, G.J.A. Karunaratne, G.L.D. Weerasinghe, K.H.R. Madushanka and A.M.T. Amanda.

Head Coach: Shamly Nawas

Rugby Chairman: Group Captain Subash Jayathilake

Match Officials

Referee: Hasantha Weranga

Assistant Referees: Isuru Perera and Chamara Siyabalapitiya