Two crucial games to be played in Colombo today

There will be two games down for decision in Colombo today; the first one will be between CR&FC and CH&FC and the second between Police and Army.

CR, despite playing quality rugby against Kandy, made some basic errors early in the second half of the match which cost them three converted tries within a short span of ten minutes. In the end, they never recovered, losing out heavily in the end. Once again, their playmaker Tharinda Ratwatte played a major role for the Longdon Place Club in this game.

He was present everywhere in attack and his defence was excellent, with him launching into some brilliant cover tackles. He has played an intelligent game for the Red Shirts not only in this fixture but throughout the season, maturing into a good club player in his debut year in club rugby. Much will be expected from Omalka Gunaratne, Kavindu Perera, Shashan Mohamed and Ishan Noor. CH, who are placed last in the league, will throw everything into this last first round encounter.

In the other game, Police will meet Army at Police Park. The Police are going through a lean patch and will be hoping their playmaker Musheen Faleel recovers in time for this encounter. Radheesha Seneviratne, Mohamed Abzal and Reza Rafaideen are all at their peak and will give good accounts of themselves. The Soldiers will heavily depend on Gayan Salinda, Mohamed Rizvi and Jayalal to guide them through and improve in their ranking to take them forward for the second round. (SJ)