One way traffic at Nittawela

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Thilina Wijesinghe of Kandy SC about to score one of his three tries against the Sailors

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy SC 63 points
Navy SC 31 points

Kandy Sports Club bounced back strongly after their defeat to Army two weeks back with an one-sided affair at Nittawela when they handed off Navy SC by 63 points (nine goals) to 31 points (three goals, two tries) win in their Inter-Club rugby encounter last weekend.

At the short breather, Kandy led 28/14.

Kandy playing minus their playmaker and number 8 Buwanka Udangamuwa, who was side-lined due to an injury, lived up to their high expectation from their rugby crazy fans at Nittawela when they handed off in a nine try blitz where the Sailors could reply only with five of them. Kandy was never at a threat to lose the game having complete control from the kick-off onwards.

Shehan Pathirana, Sayuru Anthony and Uchithra Jaysuriya stood out in forwards play for Kandy while ample support coming in from Skipper Richard Dharmapala, Thilina Wijesinghe and Dhanushka Ranjan playing at an unusual wing three-quarter position due to Anurudha Wilwara not playing. Thilina Wijesinghe had a fantastic game from the back line gaining the much needed territory for Kandy to attack. He was spot on with his kick at goal plus contributed with four tries giving Kandy with 38 points from his boots.

The Sailors on their part played in patches. Thilina Weerasinghe did find his form but his leadership was a major issue where the Navy outfit lacked direction failing to take correct decisions. Buddhima Piyaratne and Mohamed Abzal stood out for the Welisara outfit. Abzal scored two solo tries with a couple of dummies where the Kandy defence was all over.

Kandy drew first blood through their winger Lavanga Perera in the fifth minute of the game. Thilina Weerasinghe missed a penalty 40 meters out. Kandy hit back with tries through Thilina Wijesinghe (two) and Heshan Kalhara. Navy hit back with two tries scored by Buddhima Piyaratne and Mohamed Abzal. Both were converted by Thilina Weerasinghe.

After the turnaround, Kandy scored through Thilina Wijesinghe (four), Dhanushka Ranjan, Jason Dissnayake and one penalty try for collapsing the scrum. Navy scored their second-half tries through Mohamed Abzal, Richie Dharmapala and Chathura Seneviratne. Chathura Seneviratne was accurate in one try conversion.

Referee Rohan Fernando

Kandy will play their last three matches against CH & FC (2 February), CR & FC (9 February) and Havelock SC (16 February) away in Colombo.