Kandy ground Air Force

Monday, 3 March 2025 02:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kandy SC number 8 Dahan Wickramarachchi on an attacking move

Kandy SC continued their unbeaten run in the Inter-Club League Cup Segment Rugby Tournament with a commanding 50/17 win over Air Force SC at the Ratmalana Air Force Ground on Saturday.

At the short breather, the unstoppable Up Country outfit led by 31/5.

The visiting Kandy outfit showed no mercy when they ran to score seven tries against the home team and could reply only with three of them. Air Force hit back with two quick tries in the later half, but the points conceded in the first half were way too much for a catch-up game against a professional outfit, which looked in a different league altogether.

The match began with Air Force showing early aggression, but Kandy quickly took control. Danushka Ranjan opened the scoring for Kandy, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Dahan Wickramarachchi was in top form, crossing the line twice, while Dinal Ekanayake, Thilina Bandara (2), and Diluksha Dange also added their names to the score sheet.

Kandy’s Tarinda Ratwatte was clinical with the boot, slotting in six conversions and adding a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking. His accuracy ensured that Kandy capitalised on their dominance and extended their lead at every opportunity. Both Thilina Bandara and Dahan Wickramarachchi had an outstanding game, both in defence as well as in attack.

The Air Force, despite the overwhelming pressure, managed to put up a fight. Shashika Fernando scored two tries for the hosts, showing glimpses of their attacking capability. Shamika Kawshan also touched down for a try, while Gayantha Iddamalgoda converted one of their tries.

However, Kandy’s structured gameplay and superior fitness proved too much for the Air Force to handle. Their ability to transition from defence to attack seamlessly kept the opposition on the back foot throughout the game.

With this victory, Kandy SC remains the only unbeaten team in the League, further cementing their status as title favourites. Their attacking depth and defensive resilience have been the key factors behind their impressive run under Head Coach Fazil Marija, who are all out to regain the title this year. They are left with two home games against CR & FC and Havies at their base in Nittawela.

Kandy, who are the only unbeaten side in the League, lead the points table with 53 points.

Referee Gihan Yatawara handled the game. (SJ)

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