Kandy runs riot to beat CH 39-3

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy Sports Club ran riot in the later half to beat CH and FC by 39 points (five tries, four conversions, two penalties) to three points (one penalty) at their match held at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

At the short breather Kandy led 6-3.

Kandy settled down and played cohesive rugby through their speedy three quarters in the later half. Once Sooriyabandara came in the second half of the game, it changed the entire playing pattern of Kandy who kept on dominating. It was a remarkable outing for the Kandy forwards; a majority of them playing their first season kept a high standard, not allowing CH and FC to push them over. In fact, three of the five-metre scrums were defended well by the home team’s forwards. 

Tharinda Ratwatte’s penalty in the seventh minute opened the scoring for Kandy SC, but it was short-lived as CH equalised through a Thenuka Nanayakkara penalty. After a few minutes, Tharinda Ratwatte put Kandy ahead with another penalty to take the short breather in their favour 6-3.

After the turnaround, Kandy looked top class in their fitness and speed, scoring tries through Srinarth Sooriyabandara (2) and Tharinda Ratwatte (3) from which Kandy ran away easy winners 39-3. 

CH and FC skipper Sudarshana Muthuthanthri was given a yellow card in the later stage of the game for rough play. Tharinda was responsible for 29 points of the Up-Country club’s scoring which helped them to win a bonus point win.

Kandy, who beat Sri Lanka Air Force in their first game, remain unbeaten. They will travel to Welisara to meet Sri Lanka Navy in their next outing.

Referee: Dilum Deeshana

Match Commissioner: Kavinda Jayasena