Inter-Club Rugby: Pivotal matches this week

By Shamseer Jaleel

The upcoming weekend in Sri Lanka’s Inter-Club Rugby scene is set to feature pivotal matches that could significantly influence the league standings.

On 9 February, Kandy Sports Club will face Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club at Longdon Place, while Army Sports Club is set to clash with Air Force Sports Club at Panagoda. Both matches are important to decide the fate of the league and 4th placed teams too will be decided in the Panagoda encounter.

Kandy SC vs. CR & FC: A high-stakes encounter

Kandy SC has been a dominant force in Sri Lankan rugby, securing multiple league titles over the past decades. However, in a significant turn of events, CR & FC clinched the 2023/24 Inter Club Rugby League Championship by defeating Kandy SC 33/25 at the CR & FC Grounds, ending a 26-year title drought. But this year’s preparation was spoiled by Saliya Kumara and his lads from Havelock Park, who defeated the Reds in a shocker last weekend.

The two teams prepare to meet again at Longdon Place, the stakes are high for both sides.CR & FC will aim to defend their title while Kandy SC will be eager to avenge their previous defeat and reclaim their standing and can anticipate a high-intensity match, with both teams showing tactical prowess and physicality.

Kandy, without any doubt played the best brand of rugby wherever they pulled a packed house. They did not like the Colombo heat while hosts deciding to change the kick off time from 6:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. were not liked by the up-country team. But the reason cited by the Longdon Place club was better crowd control.

Kandy, led by Soori got the best of the players such as Nigel, Tari, Ranjan, Jensen, Dinal all at peak. Their forwards are led by Dayan Wickremarachchi, the former Isipathana player having a wonderful season. The Longdon Place club led by former Joes, Gemunu Chetiya got some class acts such as Mursheed Doray, Lasaindu Karunathilake, Venura Kodagoda, and Randy Silva. Mursheed touch kicks and territory game could be vital for the hosts to make a comeback as this is the last opportunity to keep the title hopes alive, knocking their super round game at Nittawela which will be an uphill task.

Referee Raveen Alexander will handle this encounter which is expected to be a sell-out crowd.

CR Ladies will take Sri Lions Ladies at 2 p.m. at the same venue. 

Army SC vs. Air Force SC: Battle for the Cup segment berth

In another significant fixture, Army SC will host Air Force SC at Panagoda, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Cup segment. Their previous encounters have been closely contested, reflecting the competitive nature of both sides.

The outcome of this match is pivotal, as a victory would secure a berth in the Cup segment, providing an opportunity to compete against the league’s elite teams. Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and this match is expected to be a showcase of their skills and determination.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon will handle this encounter. Another two games between CH & FC and Navy will take place on 8 February at Racecourse which will give only a consolation win for Martis and his lads, while Navy is likely to end the season win-less plus losing out the Clifford Cup featuring opportunities as they are likely to end 9th.

Referee Jeewaka Fonseka will handle this game.

On 9 February Police will host Sri Lions which will see Aruna Shantha handling the whistle.