Kandy SC skipper Nigel Ratwatte scored their last try at Longdon Place last weekend

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy Sports Club, the defending champions in the league lived up to the expected high standards against a Gutsy CR & FC at Longdon Place but not before they were tested fully by the home team in a tale of two halves where the Up Country outfit came out winners in the end 41/27.

At the short breather it was one-way traffic where Kandy SC led 36/10. Kandy SC settled well early in the initial half. Their forwards were magnificent led by Buwanka Udangamuwa and Shehan Pathirana both stood out with the fast and quick balls for their speedy three quarter line. Roshan Weeraratne made a comeback after his injury playing in his first game this season showed that he is back to top form. 

As usual Kandy’s three-quarter line was piece of class. Tharinda Ratwatte, Danushka Dyan, skipper Nigel Ratwatte and Kavindu Perera had a field day. The difference between both the sides was Tharinda. He was a very matured player with his excellent decision-making. His kick to touch and conversion was excellent and got ample power in his legs. The Up Country lads played like real champions in the first half but lacked in the later half where they had to defend in their own line. Meanwhile the Red Shirts were shell-shocked in the initial half when Kandy ran riot at Longdon Place. They managed for one converted try but come the second half it was totally a different game. They played like a champion outfit giving Kandy a torrid time. Kavindu de Costa, Omalka Gunaratne, Supun Warnakulasuriya and Kevin Dixon stood out. 

There was not match of an action seen from Reza Mubarak and playmaker Reza Rafaideen as they were lacking to get the ball to their hands. In the end CR made a bold comeback but the points which they considered in the initial half was far too much for a catch up. It was a tale of two halves where the initial one belonged to the visitors while the later to the home side. CR got a golden opportunity to score in the first minute of the game when Kandy SC’s Danushka Dyan was caught holding the ball. Very surprisingly to all ever-green Reza Mubarak missed out on a simple 30 m penalty. Kandy SC too missed out on a 45 m penalty by Tharinda Ratwatte. 

Then the try gate was opened when Kavindu Perera, Danushka Dyan (two), Roshan Weeraratne and Jason Dissanayake scored for the Up Country lads. Four of them converted by Tharinda who put over a solitary penalty as well. Meanwhile Kavindu de Costa danced his way through for the only first half CR try. Reza Mubarak who converted and put over a penalty as well.

After the turn around CR scored through Supun Warnakulasuriya, Janidu Dilshan and a penalty try for collapsing. Kavindu de Costa put over the second half conversion. Kandy extended their lead through a left corner flag dash and try by Nigel Ratwatte which caught nearly four of the CR defenders on the wrong side.

Referee Jonathan Markowitz (US)

Sensational win for the Cops

Close win for Sailors