Kandy back to its winning ways

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Category: Caltex Club Rugby

Published on Saturday, 03 September 2011 20:13

Written by Chamara Silva

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Defending Clifford cup champions Kandy sports club were back in business yesterday beating the disgruntled CH side 28-13 in 1st quarterfinal held at the Bogambara stadium Kandy.

Full time score – 28-13 (Kandy)

Half time score- 13-00 (Kandy)

It was Kandy who dominated the first half scoring 3 points from a converted  penalty by former Antonian skipper fullback Tharindu Chanaka, followed by two tries from Gayan Weeraratne & Mohomed Jabbar on the 17th & 20miniutes. The two tries from Kandy were testaments of the quality of rugby they have been playing over the years.  Their solid third row combined well with their three-quarters to give CH a sweltering time in defense.

CH were unable to reply but had their chances spilled all over the place. The Maitland Crescent place kicker Irfath Meedin missed drop goal attempt and another possible three points in the first half. Scores at lemons were 13-0 in favour of the favourites Kandy sports club.

Beginning of the second half CH seemed a different side, and they came back with a reply in the 43rd minute of the game as their center Salu's powerful run and clever chip helped N. Ekanayake to score a unconverted try. The home team replied in the 57miniute with the help of Fazil Marija’s dancing feet went over to make it 18-5. The CH side then hit back with the boot of I. Wickramanayake when he converted a penalty for CH to reduce the deficit 18-8 in the 53rd minute. The CH playmaker and center Salu's commanding run and Kandy’s poor defense allowed CH to pull back a try from M. Rifkhan in the 70th minute and I. Wickramanayake failed to add the extra points. Scores were 18-13 and CH at that time had the chance to close in on the league champs.

Kandy were under-pressure but CH seems to let go of that pressure and were punished by center Gayan Weeraratne in the 73 minute when he motorized his way to score his second try of the day . And it was all over for CH when veteran winger Sanjeewa Jayasinghe came as a substitute and ran through the CH defense to score the final try of the day. Kandy won 28-13. Referees Aruna Rankoth was assisted by Priyantha Guneratne and Irshad Carder.

 

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