Kandy have it calm, Sri Lions pip Navy

Yesterday (26) saw the end of Week-7 of the Inter-Club Rugby League where Kandy had a bonus-point victory at their home fortress in Nittawela and Sri Lions had a close shave at Welisara.

Tarinda ‘Tari’ Ratwatte fit a 25 m penalty just less than 10 minutes of play to draw first blood. Kavindu Perera planted the opening try of the game in the 16th minute, Tari missed the extras. 

24th minute – Dinal Ekanayake, the Kandy speedster, scored through a sublime 50 m solo dash across the park to score in the scoreboard corner.

It took only two minutes for Dahan Wickramarachchi to score for Kandy, which gave a flying start for the hosts. Well ahead, Heshan Jansen scored right on the 50th-minute mark to seal the game.

59th minute – Once the unstoppable player in Sri Lanka Rugby, the experienced Danushka Ranjan scored in the clubhouse corner  It took the Airmen almost 65 minutes to score, with Sandanu Mandiv rushing over for a try.

Skipper Srinath ‘Soori’ Sooriyabandara was untouched as he hit the nail on the coffin by scoring an under-the-post try in the last play of the game. Asiri Senevirathne ended off with the extras. 

Air Force defended well to repudiate the much-fancied Kandy outfit of yet another 50+ score. The visitors had their chances, but lacked finishing.

Navy SC almost pulled off what could have been the mother of all comebacks of the season so far on Sunday (26), but fell short by 6-points beside Sri Lions in the battle for the wooden spoon. At lemons, the visiting Sri Lions had a commanding 28-5 lead at Welisara. 

The sailors hit back in style, recording 4 tries in the second essay; however it was too little too late as their search for a win continues since the 2022/23 season.  

In the meantime on Saturday (25), in the 50th game for CR skipper Gemunu Chethiya in the Reds jersey, the Longden Place club beat Police SC 40-20 to remain undefeated in the League and continue their dominance as table-toppers. Havies beat CH&FC 27-21 to clinch the late Y.C. Chang Challenge Trophy.

Fixtures: Week-8

31 Jan. – Navy vs. Army at Welisara

1 Feb.  –  Air Force vs. Sri Lions at Ratmalana

2 Feb. – Police vs. Kandy at Police Park 

2 Feb. –  Havelocks vs. CR&FC at Havelock Park