Kandy’s unbeaten run at threat CR

By Shamzeer Jaleel

Defending League and Clifford Cup champions Kandy SC will be tested fully and their unbeaten run in the league will get the toughest challenge yet when they lock horns with a gutty and determined CR & FC at the Nittawela Rugby stadium tomorrow (February 14).

The kick-off is scheduled at 4.30 pm.

Kandy will be taking the field without their regular skipper Fazil Marija, Lavanga Perera and Gayan Ratnayake who are nursing injuries. Srinarth Sooriyabandara and Gayan Weeraratne, both of whom sustained injuries in their last outing against the Solders, have recovered fully and will be taking to the field in this vital encounter. Nigel Ratwatte will occupy the fly half’s position with either Arshard Jamaldeen or Thilina Wijesinghe occupying full back position. Lavanga’s position will be taken over by youngster Dhanushka Dayan who performed exceptionally well with the given opportunity. Kandy are a threatening outfit in their three quarter line with Gayan Weeraratne and Richard Dharmapala being unstoppable this season. Acting skipper Roshan Weerarane will operate from the base of the scrum.

As for the “Red Shirts,” they will depend heavily on skipper Ishan Noor, Shasan Mohamed, Ashan De Costa, Prince Chamara and Tharinda Ratwatte to come out with flying colors. Kandy, though assured of the league trophy for yet another year, will be expecting some very close play between the forwards, but the in three quarter line, the Up Country lads hold a clear edge over their visitors.