Kandy SC and CR and FC remain unbeaten

Defending League champions Kandy SC and Clifford Cup champions CR and FC posted their third wins to remain undefeated while Havelocks and CH and FC added another win to their fold at the end of the third week’s fixtures played in the Nippon Paint Sri Lanka Rugby Major League Tournament last week.

The pick of the games was at Havelock Park where the host had to fight tooth and nail to edge out the mighty Army outfit by mere two points where the final score read 43-41 where the game ending with the on field referee Arun Shantha disallowing the conversion after two lines men confirming that the conversion kick has fallen short.After trailing 7-33 at the short whistle, and the host were brimming with confidence, the soldiers bounced back gallantly to put up a stunning performance where their three quarters ran riot to showcase a fiery run and pass game which ultimately enabled them to plant seven tries out of which five came in the second half .

This gave them the all important two bonus points for scoring over four tries and losing the game with a margin of less then seven points. The park club once gain started with a bang as their three quarters set the momentum and at one stage it looked that they were to pile up mammoth score. They had a firm control of match and went for breather with a healthy 33-7 shoreline which at that stage looked like a one horse race.

The soldiers who dominated the game in all aspects in the second half and were certain of making an upset win, which deprived them by fluffing five of the conversions. This raised several questions as to why they missed out the services of a talented place kicker when they have a champion soccer team. ”Well at the outset, it was a late start by me taking over the Army Rugby. I took over the final stage of the inter regiment tournament.

We have a fairly experienced set of players with a majority of them being new comers. I had a mammoth task on my shoulders to combining them asa unit which I managed quite successfully.””I am happy the way the forwards played in the set pieces which was a key factor for resilience in the second half. This opened up opportunities for the three quarters to run the ball which they did quite exceptionally. The boys are gradually gaining momentum and I am sure that we are capable of creating some upsets in the upcoming matches.” Said Shamly Nawaz the Army head coach.

Havies head coach Saliya Kumara made a different observation and said “ This game was the last game for us to experiment the players in bench. From next match onwards it is going to be tough assignments for us. Therefore, we were compelled to test the abilities of the players. But we never anticipated such a close game which we won and this enabled us to know our strength and weakness.””We are building a new Rugby culture with Havelocks while building a team which has consistency. We need to have that all important firepower in the finishing games with a bang which we are getting used to.” Said Saliya

Kandy outsmart Police

Kandy maintained their superiority by defeating Police 33-19 to remain unbeaten while scoring the bonus point too. After leading 26-7 at short whistle, they were able to cross the rival defense only once in the second half. It was Danushka Ranjan who, set the tone for the hill capital team with the support of the backs who looked threatening in loose play. Nigel and Tarinda Ratwatte Ranjan and the burly hooker Dilshan Fareed played a big role in their win.The Police team one of the promising sides in the fray, once again took some time to settle amidst the rival firepower. They got their act together in the second half to run through rival defenses to score two more tries while conceding a try to the rivals. For cops Prince Chamara, Amjad Fowmy and Akash Madushanka played their hearts out

CR clips Air Force wings

CR and FC cruahed the Air Force by 29-5 after leading 22-0 where they were also able to gain the bonus point planting over four tries. The red jerseyed men had more opportunities of posting a big score if not for the heavy downpour which hampered several scoring moves ending up the ball being knocked on. Nevertheless, they made some teasing moves through their three quarters who were ably supported by the hefty set of forwards. Gemunu Chetiya, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Randy Silva and Kavindu Yasas were among the scorers where Thenuka made the conversion. Air Force on the other hand surged ahead in the latter part of the game and managed to cross the rival goal line once which went unconverted.

CH continue their winning streak

CH and FC continued their winning streak with a 34-14 win over Navy at Welisara after leading 19-7 at lemons. The new look CH outfit led by Avantha Lee, got into rhythm snatching a classic win over Havies last week. They continued their good form and used their three quarters mainly in their onslaught in scoring the tries. They too obtained the bonus point for scoring over four tries. ”We didn’t play upto potential but nevertheless we manged to post a win. We are gradually transforming to a major force which is a good sign for CH Rugby. The win over Havelocks gave the boys the much needed confidence and the frame of mind.We expect to keep the momentum on and to keep winning.” Said Sanath Martis

The Navy team which was in the forefront in last seasons points table is struggling for survival. They have lost all their matches so far.Due to Christmas the organizers have decided to give a break and the tournament will resume in the last week of this month.

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