Kandy in hard fought 15-7 win over Air Force

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

Defending champions Kandy Sports Club entered the finals of the Clifford Cup Tournament but with an unimpressive 15 points (3 tries) to 7 (1 goal) win over Sri Lanka Air Force at the Bogambara Stadium, Kandy yesterday. At half Air Force led 7-5.

Kandy got an early chance of opening their account but scrum half Roshan Weeraratne fluffed a 30 metre penalty. It was in the 32nd minute of this half that the first scoring of the match was seen when Kandy won the line out and stand off Fozil Marija sent a long pass to centre Pradeep Liyanage who cut through to score by the left corner flag. Roshan Weeraratne failed to add the extra points. Seconds before the short break Kandy gave a virtual gift of a try to Airmen. A kick ahead was collected by Kandy's full back Dinesh Kumar who made the mistake of kicking into the waiting hands of Air Force centre Mithun Hapugoda who had only to collect and touch down mid left. Radhika Hettiarachchi added the extra points. Air Force led 7-5.

Kandy took over the lead in 10th minute of second half when winger Mohammed Jabbar scored mid left off a move. Roshan Weeraratne once again failed to add the extra points. Kandy led 10-7.

A fierce battle was witnessed in the period of play which followed and two players Heshan de Silva of Kandy and Pradeep Kurukulasuriya of Air Force were sent on 'sin bin' for dangerous play.

There was a time it appeared that Kandy would lose as the airmen had possession and territorial advantage but lacked the finish.

With two minutes to go for the long blast came the best try of the match when winger Sanjeva Jayasinghe collecting a pass from stand off Fazil Marija made a brilliant 40 metre run along the line slipping tackles to score by right corner flag and this try went unconverted.

Dilroy Fernando referred.

Before the commencement of the match the two teams were introduced to the chief guest Governor of CP Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and guests of honour Maurice Perera and Roshan Gunatillake.