A Kandy win this week means that they have almost secured the defending title. But their opposition this week CR & FCcannot be underestimated. Havelock’s also will not have an easy time against Police on Saturday, whilst Army v Navy will be a humdinger at Diyagama and the underdogs CH&FC will perhaps be looking for their first win over Air Force.

CH&FC v Air Force            12.02.2016 (Friday)          KÖ 4.30pm         @Royal Complex

When these two teams met the last time it was a 16 -14 escape for the airmen. Although both teams were on the losing side last week,they played much better rugby. Air Force went down only by 2 points over Navy. On the other hand CH&FC got thrashed in the first half 45 – 08  but they won the second half against the Havelock’s finishing 52 – 18 at the full time as Havies scored only one try. It will be the very first time a club game will be played at Royal Complex this season and CH will probably feel comfortable to get their first win on the board.

Ones to watch – Mohamed Inzam (CH / Prop) – Saraka Werella (AF / No8)

Score Prediction – AF win by 5


Police v Havelock’s         13.02.2016 (Saturday)       KO 4.30pm       @Police Park

Even after 11 weeks the Cops still could not find a perfect starting XV. Due to some injuries many players are forced into utility positions and this has backfired for them. Last week against CR was not a thrilling game to watch in terms of their performance. Mushin Faleel and Mohamed Abzal played with good understanding but Sudam Sooriyarachchi is not so confident in playing at wing. Rizah Mubarak should start unlike last week because early points are what will lift the momentum in the game.

On the other hand, the Men in Pink are 8 points behind Kandy’s total of 62 points. Therefore, the Havies need a bonus point win and wait on either CR or Navy to do a favor to them. Seems an unlikely happening. Last week’s second half was a pathetic show against CH&FC especially after leading 45 – 08 points. But Rehan Theyagarajah’s return has boosted the young backs line up. Prasath Madushan scored a hat-trick last week and his throwing at the line out will play a big part in this game.

Scrum half Rahul De Zilva who was rested will be key in terms of decision making and his box kicks. Rimzie Jamaldeen might start ahead of Samantha Lakshan, but a fierce battle could be expected between Sudarshana Muthuthantri of Havies and Sharo Fernando of Police as both are tackle hungry and the winner will perhaps be decided by the person not conceding any cards.

Ones to watch : Sandun Herath (Havelock / wing) – Mohamed Abzal (Police / Scrum half – Wing)

Score Prediction : Havelock’s win by 5


Kandy v CR&FC            14.02.2016 (Sunday)         KO 4.30pm        @Nittawela

There is no love lost between these two teams. The Reds almost ruined Kandy’s win on 18th December 2015 at the Race Course,where they led 16 – 15 and the last minute try by Heshan Kalhara irked the CR fans. Kandy simply showed experience and class and a well set example to play the 80 minutes. Playing at Nittawela is never easy for any visiting team. But knowing Fazil Marija’s absence CR must be plotting certain tactical ploys.

Tarinda Ratwatte who started last week only played 30 minutes against the Cops, clearly out of touch since he was out with Dengue lay-off. As a result experienced Ashan De Costa might start at pivotal slot at 10. It was Nigel Ratwatte who started at Marija’s place but Kandy also has the option of Srinath Sooriyabandara and Arshad Jamaldeen to start at 10 and move Nigel to 15. Nevertheless, it was a good combination between Sooriyabandara and Vishwamithra Jayasinghe in terms of attack which we witnessed last week.

Kandy forwards Kishore Jehan, Gayan Rathnayake, Piyumal Manchanayake are in a fine form, although Ishan Noor’s men don’t have as much experience as their rivals. they will have a big quest this Valentine’s day. CR winger Kavindu Perera made some text book tackles this season but he needs to make some attacking sparks to trouble Kandy.

Ones to watch out : Gayan Weerarathne (Kandy / Center) – Kanchana Ramanayake (CR / Center)

Score prediction : Kandy win by 5


Army v Navy              14.02.2016 (Sunday)         KO 4.00pm        @Diyagama

Army broke the Sailors hearts in the first round at Welisara with a thrilling one point win (18-17). Also they gave a tough time for the defending champions last week. However, the Soldiers look slight favourites when you look at their recent performance. Navy perhaps wanted to finish this season at third place having so many youngsters in their team, Nilfer Ibrahim’s men won’t mind finishing fourth but still there is plenty of work to be done.

Ones to watch : Ashan Bandara (Army / fly half) –  Omalka Gunarathne (Navy / No 8)

Score prediction : Army win by 2