Kandy SC skipper Damith Dissanayake receiving the Trophy from Nippon Paint GM, Nemantha Aveysinghe (left)  and Sri Lanka Rugby. President, Rizly Ilyas

Kavindu Perera breaks through 

Tharindu Ratwatte held by two CR players

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy Sports Club showed their top class and why rugby is the main sport in the Central Hills when they not only beat CR and FC but also got the right keep the League for a record 8 years in a row when they beat CR and FC by 29 points (4 tries, 3 conversions, 1 penalty) to 10 points (1 try, 1 conversion, 1 penalty) in their Nippon Paint Inter Club Rugby League 2022/2023 encounter which was worked off at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday. 

This was a bonus point win for Kandy who won their 23rd league title starting from 1994.

At the short breather it was CR who led 10/0.

It was CR who dominated the initial half. They put the hosts under pressure.  Their defence was top class and on attack put the Kandy under pressure. CR got nearly three scoring opportunities but could find the Kandy line only once. 

Chatura Seneviratne the former Kingswoodian played an excellent game gaining the much-needed territory for the visitors plus put the Kandy three quarters under pressure with his high ball kicks.  Surihu Anthony, skipper, Kavindu de Costa, Gemunu Cheetiya and Mursheed Doray all played their hearts out. Lasindu Ishan the former Science player too stood out in the later half.

Kandy was under severe pressure not getting enough possession in the initial half. They never panicked but defended well. Their skipper, Damith Dissnayake and Yakoob Ali played well for their forwards. Kandy’s play maker was their fly half, Tharinda Ratwatte acting for Nigel Ratwatte who could not play due to his suspension of one game. 

His ghosting attacks were constantly occurring and CR defence was all over in the later half. He got ample support from his three-quarter line. Srinarth Sooriyabandara too joined the line whenever they were on attack and played a grand game with the high balls safely collecting them. Come second half attacking towards the Club House end, their favourite they were unstoppable. Hats off to the team as many as 8 seniors in the injured list their Head Coach, Fazil Marija and his assistant, Buddhika Thalagampola delivering the results.

Chatura Seneviratne missed a penalty in the 5th minute of the game but drew first blood later in the 11th minute with a similar penalty. CR who dominated the initial half touched down through Thenuka Nanayakkara try and Chatura Seneviratne added the extras. CR took the Kandy crowd in shell shock mode at the short breather leading 10 to nothing.

Come the second half and the rain, it was Kandy all the way. The packed house saw them score 4 tries in the later half through Lavanga Perera, Kavindu Perera, Yakoob Ali and Asiri Seneviratne. Tharinda Ratwatte converted all three plus over a penalty while the last conversion kick was given to skipper, Damith Dissanayake to have a go at it. 

Kandy scored all their 29 points in the later half.

Hats off to the Red Shirts for climbing up the ladder from Number 7 last year to Number 2 and they are celebrating their Centenary year and kept the league alive till the last game.

The Referee was Gihan Yatawara. Assistant referees were Ishanka Abeykoon and Raveen Alexander. Match Commissioner was Kavinda Jayasena. The CMO was Anil Jayasinghe.

Kandy Sports Club started their league win in 1994 under former Rajan, Indrajith Bandaranayake and till date they have won 23 times plus this win was 8 in a row for them. Chief Guest was Patron of the Club, Cargills PLC Deputy Chairman Ranjit Page with Nippon Paint General Manager Nemantha Abeysinghe coming in as Guest of honour along with Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Ilyas graced the occasion.

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