Kandy proves its dominance over CR & FC

by S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN- Kandy Sports Corr.

Reigning Caltex League Champions Kandy Sports Club continued their dominance over their arch rivals CR and FC when they beat them by 26 points (3 goals, 1 try) to 16 (1 goal, 3 penalties) in their final game of the Caltex League rugby tournament match played at Nittawela yesterday. At half time Kandy led 19-9.

Kandy SC who won the League for the ninth year in running when they beat Army 42-11 last week had only one objective in this match to beat their rivals the red shirts, to whom they have not lost for the last five years. They did so in style.

Before the commencement of the match both teams were introduced the chief guest Managing Director of Caltex, Kishu Gomes.

CR and FC had a good chance of opening their account in the third minute of play when they were awarded a 35 metre penalty which was kicked astray by full back Reza Mubarak. At this stage Kandy SC’s prop forward sent on `Sin Bin’ for dangerous play. Kandy Sports Club drew first blood in the 10th minute when No. 8 Sean Wijesinghe covered some ground before sending out a pass to winger Sanjeewa Jayasinghe who brushed past three defenders before touching down far right. Saliya Kumara playing in the unaccustomed role as full back made a good kick at goal to add the extra points. Kandy 7-0.

But a minute later CR reduced the lead through a 45-metre penalty fired by full back Reza Mubarak, CR 3-7.

In the 15th minute Kandy could have increased their tally but full back Saliya Kumara fluffed a 35 metre penalty which was awarded.

Game hotted up with both teams playing hard and CR and FC made a couple of threatening advances but Kandy’s defence held.

Kandy was guilty of giving away penalties which the red shirts converted through their reliable kicker full back Reza Mubarak. One was a 45-metre attempt which went over and the red shirts had reduced the lead to 6-7 which promised a close game.

In the 30th minute Kandy almost scored when skipper and centre Pradeep Liyanage made a breezy 50 metre run but CR’s defence came back in their numbers to stop the try just a few metres away from the goal line. However in the 35th minute of play they got the chance of scoring when they mounted pressure on the CR defence which saw a penalty being awarded to Kandy inside CR 22. Fazil Marija taking the short tap sent a quick pass to prop Erande Swarnatilleke who powered his way to score by the left corner flag. Full back Saliya Kumara added the extra points. Kandy 14-6.

In the 38th minute a late tackle by Kandy’s flanker Zafeer Jhan saw him ending up in ‘Sin Bin’ and the 48 metre penalty which was awarded was beautifully converted by CR’s full back Reza Mubarak. CR 9-14.

Just before the short whistle Kandy stormed CR’s territory with some power play which saw a penalty being awarded. Centre Gayan Weeraratne taking a quick short tap saw Kandy moving the ball and winger Sameera Silva scored by the left corner flag. Saliya failed to add the extra points. Kandy 19-9.

After the turn around Kandy scored their fourth try through lock Senaka Bandara which was goalled by Saliya Kumara.

This half also saw Kandy’s flanker Sajith Saranga and CR’s prop Terrence Henry being sent on `sin bin’ for dangerous play.

In the dying stages of the game CR scored their only try of the match through scrum half Zulki Hameed which was goalled by Reza Mubarak. James Fitzgerald refereed.