Kandy win the battle, war is yet to be won

Dialog Inter Club League 2018/2019

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending League and Clifford Cup champions managed to end round 1 with an unbeaten record. They were almost humbled at Welisara in their last game against the Sailors where the home team led till the last two minutes of the game 20/19. A last minute penalty by reliable full back, Thilina Wijesinghe saw them through in round 1 without any defeats under their belt.

Meanwhile the Park Club too completed round 1 on high note being only beaten by Kandy SC up at Nittawela. Any visiting team would be hating to play at Nittawela; it’s not only to beat the best club in the country but the strong 5,000-odd spectators behind the only up country “A” division club in the country. Havies conceded a 21/0 lead and managed to rally back in the second half but the lead was too huge to over-take ending at 21/31 in the end. Hats off to their head coach, Sanath Martis even after losing their top eight players to CH & FC and CR & FC and managed to end at number 2 in round 1.

Red Shirts who had high hopes of claiming back the league suffered a major setback again in the hills losing out to Kandy 30/41 and to Havies 22/31. Sailors who almost humbled the defending champions in their last game occupy number 4.

It’s surprising to see a formidable CH & FC outfit at number 5 position after round 1 securing nearly five of the best players from the Park Club. Individually they look yards faster but as a team they failed to deliver what was expected from them. Further, many of the senior players’ fitness levels is a very good question to be answered by the club management.

Police who ended round 1 at number 6 position certainly deserve a better ranking. They have produced very good rugby from their game against Kandy. They were close and yet so far in more than one game which could have gone their way easily. 

Disappointing Army secured number 7 which is far below their usual standard and need to get back to basics sooner than later. As expected Air Force ended last plus their failure to provide the much-needed security for officials was noted in round 1 where one of the Assistant Referees was assaulted. Due to this incident they lost out on the home advantage at Ratmalana and they played their home matches only at Police Park due to the referees being unhappy to officiate at Ratmalana.

Round 2 could give some glimmer of hopes for Havies, CR, Navy and CH to put up a better show. Further Kandy too will find it tough to play three of the tough matches against CH & FC, CR & FC and Havelock SC in Colombo. Results of these three games will decide the league this time around. But as at now Kandy look rock solid.  

Round 2 will kick off with a one-week break. This year after the completion of round 2 the top four teams will play each other (1 vs 4, 2 vs 3); winners of these two matches will play in the Cup final. Similarly, the Plate (bottom four sides) too will lock horns with each other after round 2.