Preview of Inter-Club Rugby League matches scheduled for Week 6

By Shamseer Jaleel

The upcoming Week 6 fixtures of the Mastercard Inter-Club Rugby League promise exhilarating action as top teams vie for supremacy. Here’s a preview of the matches scheduled for week 6.

Havies hold the edge against Army

Army SC vs. Havies at Panagoda today (17 January):

Army SC has had a mixed season, displaying moments of brilliance interspersed with challenges. Their focus will be on leveraging home advantage and refining their strategies to outmanoeuvre Havelock SC. 

They have Mohamed Akram and Sudaraka Dikkumbura, two star players in their outfit. Their head coach will be focused to end on top half to see through the second half Cup Segment feature.

On the other hand, Havelock SC, led by Abdullah Faiz has gone through a good season losing out only to Kandy SC.

Their hooker, Azmir Fajudeen has been outstanding for the Park Club. Samuel Maduwantha playing as a reliable kicker and full back has been an advantage for Havies. 

This match is expected to be a show of physicality and strategic execution, with both sides eager to claim the win though Havies hold the edge.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon is to blow this game.

CR to continue winning streak

CR & FC vs. CH & FC at Racecourse Ground: This Colombo derby is set to ignite the Racecourse Ground with intense competition. CR & FC, known for their dynamic play, will face CH & FC, a team renowned for their strategic approach. Both clubs have demonstrated strong performances this season, making this match crucial for their standings. Fans can anticipate a high-energy game showcasing the best of Sri Lankan rugby.

CR will be without Lasindu Karunaratne who is out due to an injury. Meanwhile their Full back, Mursheed Doray is enjoying a fine season. CR are leading while CH placed sixth in the table at present.

Kandy SC host Navy SC at Nittawela

Kandy Sports Club will be back in action for their fifth game in the League plus third home game when they meet Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club at Nittawela Rugby Stadium on 19 January.

Kick-off is at 4 p.m.

Led by Sooriyabandara Kandy looks a champion outfit. Heshan Jensen, Danushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, Kavindu Perera are all national players. Tarinda Ratwatte will miss this game due to a shoulder injury and Diluksha Dange is likely to play in this encounter after missing the four games this year. 

Meanwhile Sailors are placed ninth without a single win so far. Led by Thilina Weerasinghe, the former Kingswoodian will be at home town but not an easy task to beat Kandy and its supporters at Nittawela.

Isuru Congahawatta, Stefan Gregory, Koojana Kulatunge will play a major part to stop Kandy collecting points at will.

First lady referee, Chamari Liyanage will officiate this game as the on field referee.

Air Force hold the edge against Police

Air Force will be all out to cement their position in Super Round Cup feature when they lock horns with Police Sports Club in their week 6 rugby encounter which will be worked off at Ratmalana tomorrow (18 January)

Air Force had a good season though ending on the losing side against CR last weekend, they put up a brave fight. Gayantha Iddamalgoda being their play maker. His kick to touch and kick at goal being top class accuracy putting them on the same platform to make a bold fight back against some top clubs in the league.

Air Force from four games having accumulated 12 points are looking forward to a top 4 finish after the first round. Ramesh Wasantha will lead the outfit.

Meanwhile, Police SC under Mohan Wimalaratne is going through a rough time. They are placed seventh with 7 points under their belt. Coached by one of the best in the country, Nilfer Ibrahim lads from Police Park will badly need to return in winning ways.

Yehan Bulathsinghala will need to be on top in fly half position with his touch and penalty kicks. Amjad Faumy, Hirantha Perera and Lahiru Thilakaratne will play a vital role. 

A close encounter expected with the home team holding a slight edge over the Cops.

Gihan Yatawara will handle this game.