Kandy versus Navy pick of the semis

by Hafeez Marikkar

Today's Clifford Cup semi final clash could be the key game of the two semis, -As the giants of club rugby Kandy Sports Club confronting Navy Sports Club. The defending champion's, Kandy is eagerly expecting to win at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium at Pallekelle by a big margin, The kick off is at 4.15. The last two league games between these two clubs ended on a thoroughly lopsided affair. The men in Red White and Blue in both the games emerged victorious with a display of dazzling rugby.

Kandy Sports Club's head Coach Sean Wijesinghe has named his strongest available XV for this semi final. He will be without their play maker, fly half Fazill Marija, and few other key players all nursing injuries, as a result utility player, Nigel Ratwatte will play in the midfield and Arshad Jamaldeen will take the fullbacks position. Kandy Sports Club should outclass the Sailors in every position, but one area that the sailors are good at is their bac-kline.

Weather up in Kandy has taken a bit of a beating this week, but it looks ideal for rugby, for both playing and watching. Predictions are that Kandy SC will give their best..to win with a big margin.

Kandy Sports Club will be hoping to go for a big score, for which they are capable of as they definitely hold the edge over the sailors. So the defending champions are oozing with confidence following last week's massive win and come out favourites. Kandy SC is a great crowd puller.

In this match, as long as the Kandy mobile set of forwards dominates it will be difficult task for the opponents. Knowing Kandy's forte is their forwards the sailors will run the ball at every given opportunity.

The home side's strong point is their speedy three quarters, they have a fine halves combination with powerful runners who are capable of penetrating the Navy defence.

Navy will be fielding their best outfit spearheaded with their powerful set of forwards, who play hard without much finish, but the sailors no doubt will drive the Kandyans to the extremes.

If Kandy wins, they will be entering the Clifford Cup final for a record 24th time as they have proved too strong, They have won the Clifford Cup for a record 19 times, including for a consecutive period of ten years between 1995 and 2005 (the competition was not held in 1998) and six consecutive years between 2007 and 2012. In 2006 Kandy and Navy both withdrew from the tournament. (Kandy SC due to dispute over the ground allocation).

Today's game will be controlled by an overseas referee.