Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Friday, 20 February 2015 00:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
February CR&FC will play a crunch game when they host defending league champions Navy at Longdon Place. On Sunday Kandy will play the first of their two remaining home games of this year’s league when they square off against Army.
Defending champions Navy, Havelocks and Kandy are all within touching distance of the title. Going on form, Kandy looks threatening for the Sailors and Havies, who are celebrating their centenary year.
Sri Lanka Air Force, although placed seventh at present, has improved as a unit in the second half of the league with the inclusion of several top-class Fijian players in their team.
During last weekend’s game against Kandy they crossed their upcountry opponents’ line on three occasions. Police too are playing well but depend too heavily on Fijian Apisai, who is unstoppable at times. If the Airmen can control Apisai then half their job is done. Police have performed well until recently. At present they occupy sixth position in the league. This encounter will be refereed by Dharmapala Nimal.
Kandy outclassed Air Force with 10 try blitz at Nittawela
On 21 February another close game is expected between Navy and CR&FC at Longdon Place. Lately the Sailors’ form is in question after their defeat to Havies at home. Much will be expected from their overseas players, especially Fijian Sevens star Stefano and local players such as Sharo Fernando, Achala Perera and Srinath Sooriyabandara, who makes his return from injury.
On the other side of the coin CR&FC have some quality players in their starting line-up. They will give their best to come away with a win over Navy on their home ground. This encounter will be controlled by Nizam Jamaldeen.
Kandy SC looking for the League after a lapse of 2 years
Kandy will host Army the following day. Kandy will be all out to take revenge for their first round defeat at the hands of the Soldiers. At present Army are placed fourth with Kandy second behind the Sailors.
Kandy will be at full strength for this encounter with their superior three-quarter line. Army too possess a blend of youth and experience in their outfit. This game will be refereed by Pradeep Fernando.
Upon the completion of this week’s matches, there will be a seven-day break in club rugby due to the national team’s participation in the Boreno Rugby Sevens in Malaysia.
The national selectors, headed by Michael Jayasekera, will need to pick a Sevens squad as soon as possible as there is hardly any time left for training before they depart to Malaysia on 26 February for the tournament.
