Kandy SC- Army clash today

by S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy sports corr.

RUGBY: Defending Caltex Rugby League Champions Kandy Sports Club will field a stronger side for their first round match against the formidable Sri Lanka Army team fixture which will be played at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy today (31). The kick-off at 4.30 p.m.

Last week Kandy played an under strength side with seven of their regulars - all national players being in the list. The makeshift side gave an unimpressive display to post a 27 - 6 win over Air Force.

There was no mobility in their pack and the cohesive rugby which they are famous, for was mission. Even the ruggerites in the back division played at half pace giving the impression that all they wanted was to insulate themselves from defeat and keep themselves away from injuries.

Standoff Fazil Marija, flanker Zafeer Jhan, hooker Anuranga Walpola will be back in the side while skipper Pradeep Liyanage, flanker Sean Wijesinghe and scrumhalf will be doubtful starters. If Pradeep Liyanage does not play,the captaincy will be taken over by winger Sameera de Silva who will be palying in his 14th year for the club and is unfortunate being still not considered for permanent captaincy. Kandy Sports Club are lying third in the table behind CH & FC and CR & FC with only bonus points separating these teams. Unbeaten Army are lying fourth. The difference between the first teams being bonus points.

Kandy have so far beaten Navy 36 - 5 and Sri Lanka Air Force 27 - 6. Army having beaten Sri Lanka Air Force, last week beat Navy 15 - 10 and registered victory through penalties, all put over by centre Kapila Knowlton.

With the weather keeping fine in Kandy, good fare is in story for the rugby fans.