Unbeaten Kandy secure League for 24th occasion

Monday, 17 March 2025 01:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nigel Ratwatte of Kandy SC in a powerful move with support coming in from Diluksha Dange, while Musheen Faleel and Mohamed Rifan of Havies try to stop him

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Kandy Sports Club showed that they are a class outfit in different leagues when they completed the Inter-Club League with a magnificent 50/24 win over second-placed Havelock Sports Club.

With this League win, their record speaks high, with the 24th occasion they accounted for the title in the last 30 years. This year under Sooriyabandara was a special one as they ended the season unbeaten, regaining the League from CR & FC.

Kandy led 31/10 at the short breather.

Tarinda Ratwatte, Srinarth Sooriyabandara, Dinal Ekanayake, and Kavindu Perera were simply outstanding. Jensen combined well with Dahan Wickremarachchi and Thilina Bandara both were outstanding.

While for the Park Club, skipper Abdullah Faiz, Ajmeer Fajudeen, Jayathu Rajarathna, and Rifan Mohamed played a grand game for Havies.

Kandy SC wasted no time asserting their dominance, with their backs and forwards combining seamlessly to break through Havelock’s defence. They opened scoring in the second minute of the game through a turn over which ended in a left corner flag try for their speedy winger, Dinal Ekanayake. Tari was on target with a penalty from 35 metres, which took them to a comfortable 10/0 lead.

Havies hit back through a Samuel Maduwantha penalty. But Kandy was unstoppable, spotting gaping holes in Havies’ defence to touch down first-half tries through skipper Sooriyabandara, Kenula Hettiarachchi, and Dahan Wickremarachchi. Tari converted all four. There was time for one Havies try through Sandesh Jayawickrema, who kicked, chased, and scored under the posts and converted to cut the deficit to 21 points.

After the turnaround, Dahan scored his second try of the game while Loos and Nigel Ratwatte touched down once. Tari converted both tries. Meanwhile, Havies scored their second-half tries through Janidu Fernando and Jayathu Rajarathna. Sandesh Jayawickrema converted both.

Referee Gihan Yatawara officiated the game.

The highest points scorer award was won by Tarinda Ratwatte, while Jayathu Rajarathna received the prize for the highest try scorer.

Now that the League is done and dusted, it is time for Clifford Cup knockout rugby, with Kandy SC kicking off playing Sri Lions on 27 March at Nittawela.

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