Caltex Clifford Cup Knock Out kicks off on Sept. 2

By Sachin David

Chevron Lubricants yesterday unveiled the 2011 Caltex Clifford Cup knock out tournament and brand new trophy.

Chevron Lubricants Lanka Managing Director Kishu Gomes said Caltex have set the record for sponsoring a single sport for the longest period of time in Sri Lanka having sponsored club rugby for 12 years.

“Caltex first came on board with the SLRFU in 1999 with the sponsorship of the Clifford Cup Knock out tournament and subsequently moved on to the league as well in the year 2000,” Gomes said at the media briefing at the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union headquarters at Reid Avenue

He congratulated Kandy SC on their recent win in the league and he also commended the performances of Navy SC and Havelocks SC who finished the league in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Gomes thanked the SLRFU for showing good support over the last three months of the season. He commented on how Lasitha Gunaratne and Jehan Canagaratne worked to their fullest to make the tournament a success.

 “Unfortunately we could not award the trophy at the end of the league due to a Court case against the Tournament Committee and the SLRFU and we hope to award Kandy SC the trophy on the 17th of September which is the date of the final,” Gomes told the media.

SLRFU Hony. Secretary Lasitha Gunaratne said: “We appreciate the support lent to rugby by Chevron Lubricants and we hope to continue our relationship in time to come. This league would not have been possible without the pumping in of this much money.”

SLRFU Tournament Director Jehan Canagaratne provided the details of the tournament.

The line is as follows

1st Quarter final 2nd September 2011- Kandy SC vs CH&FC at Bogambara

2nd Quarter final 2nd September 2011- Navy SC vs. Police SC at Royal Sports Complex

3rd Quarter final 3rd September 2011- Havelocks SC vs. Army SC at Royal Sports Complex

4th Quarter final 4th September 2011- CR&FC vs. Air Force SC at Royal Sports Complex

1st Semi final 10th September at Bogambara

2nd Semi Final 11th September at Royal Sports complex

The final will be held on the 17th of September at the royal Sports Complex.