Close call for Kandy against CR

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kandy Sports Club, defending league and Clifford Cup champions had a narrow shave when they pulled off a last minute win with the help of a try by burly number eight Heshan Kalhara. Kandy won in the end 22-16 after being behind at the short breather 3-9.

The game was played under wet conditions which suited the Colombo side. Kandy under their belt having some fast running three quarters were not given any chance of a field day. The forwards of both teams played well. CR put over three penalties by Prince Chamara but Jamaldeen missed out on two kickable penalties putting over one which made the difference in the initial half.

But Kandy cut loose in the later half scoring two back to back tries by winger Lavanga Perera but CR cut the deficit through a beautiful winger’s try by Shashan Mohamed. The difference between two teams was just one point. Then it was the last minute effort by Heshan Kalhara that took Kandy through.

CR&FC’s weakness was losing out on line outs. They even failed to secure their own ball. Further, though with ample possession in the first half, they failed to convert them into points. They went into wrong options most of the time. As usual what is expected from a CR&FC and Kandy encounter was maintained with a close game as always.

In another game Air Force edged out CH&FC in a nail biter 16-14 with the help of a last minute penalty at Ratmalana. All credit should be given to the CH&FC who are playing sans any big names.

Navy and Police fought out a close battle at Welisara. Navy notched by 10 points lead at half time but the Cops came back strongly in the second half with 24 points but still so close yet so far as the Sailors pulled off a dramatic 27-24 win with the help of a last minute penalty by the Sailors. In the last game of the weekend, Havies continued their unbeaten run to get the better of the Solders 27-22. Havies played this game minus four of their regulars including their star player Dhanushka Ranjan who is injured and rested for their next clash against the defending champions Kandy SC.