Kandy edged out by Bahrain RFC

Kandy Sports Club were edged out by 24 points (3 goals, 1 penalty) to 23 points (1 goal, 2 tries, 1 penalty, 1 drop goal) in a thriller by the Bahrain Rugby Football Club in their West Asian club rugby championship encounter played at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday. 

At the short breather, the visitors led 24/13. 

The game was well contested by both teams with the visitors showing a lot of strength with their heavier forwards while the Up Country lads showed fast running abilities but lacked the finishing touches. Kandy almost lost on three scoring opportunities. The home team had the territorial advantage but failed to convert in to points. Even in the last quarter, they got plenty of scoring opportunities but went for scoring tries and did not succeed with the tight defence of the Bahrain outfit who stood firm. 

Kandy drew first blood through a Thilina Wijesinghe penalty but it was short lived as Bahrain prop forward Richard Munchster powered his way for a try. Full back, Iwan Phillips added the extras. Minutes later Bahrain went ahead through loose head prop Davis Tui with Iwan adding the extras to take a clear 14/3 lead. Kandy, who had other ideas, ran through the left wing where Anurudha Wilwara with his lightning speed to touch down. Thilina’s drop goal closed the gap at 17/13 behind. Ganuka Dissanayake’s yellow card and lethargic defence saw second rower Mark Burnell falling over for a dandy try. Iwan added the extras to take half time at 24/13. 

After the turn around Kandy played well scoring two tries through Wilwara and skipper Gayan Weeraratne, but both conversions were off target. 

Referee Norman Drake (UAE) 

Harlequins won this year's West Asian Club Championship through a thin margin of points in the group event. 

(SJ)