Can CR topple Havies?

By Shamseer Jaleel

The club rugby league will approach one of its most important weekends. The pick of the games will be the one between traditional rivals CR&FC and Havelocks. 

The other important game will be in Nittawela when Kandy go up against Air Force. Kandy will be all out to take sweet revenge after losing out after more than three decades to Air Force in an unexpected manner.

The CR and Havelocks game always attracts a large crowd and is also considered one of the most eagerly anticipated events on and off the field. CR, led by Shane Sambandaperuma, are performing very inconsistently this season. They lost out to the Soldiers last weekend. They have some talented players such as Omalka Gunaratne, Ishan Noor, Prince Chamara, Tariq Salih and the Costa brothers to get them through. 

Havelocks, who have ample talent and is looking forward to regaining the league title, have Muthuthanthri, Hirantha Perera, Sharo Fernando and Mithun Hapugoda all in their peak. A close battle is expected.

Navy, who dropped down to third position, will go up against the high-riding Army in Welisara. Navy have Thlina Weerasinghe, Dhanushka Perera, Lee Keegale and Sathya Ranathunge to guide them through. The Soldiers will be expecting a lot from scrumhalf Rizvi, prop Jayalal and fullback Gayan Salinda to take them through in this outing.

Police should get the better of last-placed CH&FC. Kandy will be playing with their best side against Air Force on Sunday in Nittawela. Sayuru Anthony, Mohamed Ali and Buwanaka Udangamuwa all lived up to their high standard in their forwards play while the three quarter line was always at its peak when playing at home. 

Ranjan, Dharmapala, Fazil, Thilina and Nigel are known for their attacking rugby and will be tough players to contain. Air Force will expect Iddamalgoda to fire across the penalties and gain the territorial advantage to attack their opponent’s half.

28 January 

CR&FC vs. Havelocks at Longdon Place    

Referee Irshard Cader

TMO Tony Amit

Navy vs. Army in Welisara

Referee Rohan Fernando 

29 January 

Police vs. CH&FC at Police Park

Referee Dinka Peiris

Kandy vs. Air Force in Nittawela

Referee Aruna Rankothge