Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Friday, 23 January 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Lavanga Perera important player for Kandy SC
Though much was expected from the Sharks, they failed to live up to expectations. Both of their Fijian players - Joseph Dunn and Emorie Waquaqa – have failed to impress so far this season. Sri Lanka Air Force included overseas players only during the latter part of the first round and have shown some improvement.
Considering current form and home advantage, the Airmen are favoured to pull this one off. The encounter will be refereed by Pradeep Fernando.
Tomorrow there will be two games up for decision. The first one will be between high-riding Kandy and Police, which will be played at Longden Place. Kandy are coming out after a break of nearly one month after CH&FC requested a postponement of their game due to no proper practice and the lack of a sponsor.
Kandy used the rest time with one practice match against the Sydney-based Warringars which was played last week at Nittawela. Kandy will be at full strength for their game against the cops with their playmaker, South African Flanker Chris Colette, making a comeback after his rib injury against the same opponent two months ago.
Kandy’s star-studded line-up will be led by Fazil Marija, who will be ably supported by Gayan Weeraratne, Lavanga Perera, Nigel Ratwatte and Dhanushka Dyan, and it will be a tough ask for any side to stop these speedsters.
Anurudha Wilwara, who has recovered fully, will be on standby along with their Tongan Number 8 Koto Pongi. This encounter will see Dharmapala Nimal handling the whistle.
Defending champions Navy will host Army at Welisara. Both teams enjoyed wins during their games last weekend.
Navy was in sparkling form, beating the Hambantota Sharks by a century while the Soldiers edged out CR&FC in a close affair. This game too will be played tomorrow with Aruna Rankothge officiating. The last match for Week 2 will see the traditional rivals CR&FC and Havies meet each other under lights at Havelock Park on Sunday.
In form Havies should pull off this game, which will be controlled by referee Irshard Cader. Week two will see all four matches officiated by local referees.
