Kandy to test bench strength

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Clifford Cup Knockout Rugby Tournament 2025 will kick off in the Central Hills at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium today (26 March) when Unbeaten League Champions, Kandy SC lock horns with Sri Lions in the first quarter final encounter.

Kick-off is scheduled at 4 p.m. where the gates will be free for both todays and 1 April where Kandy will lock horns at the same venue.

Kandy SC outclassed debutants, Sri Lions in the only group encounter played. Earlier this season at the same venue.

Kandy SC, led by Srinath Sooriyabandara, remained unbeaten this season and are determined to secure rugby double. They will be minus Tharindu Chanaka and Danushka Ranjan both recovering from their injuries. Former Trinity skipper, Thisanga Dissanayake will make his club debut today while Shaheed Zumri get his full game time in this encounter. Kandy SC, Head Coach, Fazil Marina is tipped to give some game time for his bench players thinking ahead of the future. Nigel Ratwatte will be playing his last tournament for Kandy SC.

Sri Lions, captained by Kevin Dixon, made history by knocking Navy SC out of the competition to earn their spot in the quarterfinals. Earlier in the season, they impressed with victories over CH and FC and Navy, but their form dipped in the latter stages of the league.

Lady referee, Charani Liyanage will get her second A division game when she control this encounter at the same Nittawela ground where she made hers division debut couple of months ago in the league.

Referee Charani Liyanage will return to her happy hunting ground at Nittawela where she made her top division debut a month back by officiating this encounter.