Kandy SC lie in ambush to prevent CR getting the crown

Defending Clifford Cup Champions and table leaders CR and FC will be at full strength in their attempt to rewrite history in the local rugby arena when they lock horns with defending league champions Kandy SC, who will be determined to defend their title in their crucial rugby encounter at Longden Place on Sunday.CR is the only side to remain undefeated this season and have the edge over their opponents. They will also be playing at home, and the good news is they are injury free and will be at full strength.

One of their experienced campaigners, Gamunu Chetiya, who holds a key position in the back division, is fit and raring to go after being sidelined owing to injury. His presence will be a source of inspiration for the Red jerseyed boys, who are really pumped-up at rewriting history and shattering over a two-decade record.Their win against the same opponent few weeks back showed their superiority as a team. They put up a gutsy performance to halt Kandy’s unbeaten record with a convincing 38-26 win at Nittawela . CR ‘s last few outings have shown their fighting spirit with a never-say-die attitude, coming from behind to sneak home with some swashbuckling performances in the second half. Skipper Suhiru Anthony has been instrumental in leading them with a cool and calm attitude which has enabled the team to remain unbeaten.CR coach Dushanth Lewke is instrumental in grooming this young side for several years, and has also played a pivotal role in guiding this squad into a winning outfit. Speaking to *Daily News* Lewke said that he was satisfied with his boys’ performance and expects them to deliver the goods.

“We are happy with the boys’ performances. They have played some good rugby. More importantly, they have maintained the winning habit. We know Kandy have more big game experienced players, but our players have matured well with the progress of this tournament. They are very focused and determined to deliver the goods. As a coach I have worked well with the players in the last few days and planned a few strategies to overcome our rivals. Playing at home amidst the home crowds is also an added advantage, and we expect them to flock in numbers to support us. Overall, we are very confident we can rewrite history,” said Lewke.

The Red Shirts have a superb three quarter line comprising Kavindu Costa, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gmunu Chethiya, Manilka Ruberu, Chatura Seneviratne, Eranga Ariyapala and an attacking full back Mursheed DoraySecond placed Kandy has one injury issue. Regular hooker Tuan Farid will miss this game due to injury and his replacement will be known just before the game, while the rest of the team remain unchanged. They too are striving hard to retain the league championship. Apart from losing to CR, they have managed to overcome all other teams in the competition – both home and away.

Head coach Fazil Marija said he is confident his team will turn tables on their rivals, even though they lost the first leg in their own den. “Well, past is past. We have played some good rugby and had one off day.That doesn’t mean we are a weak side. We have worked hard in the past couple of days and will be at full strength for this crucial game. As a unit, we are very optimistic of winning this game and retain the title,” said Marija.The lads from Kandy boast of a fine set of three quarters Heshan Janson, Nigel Ratwatte, Tarinda Ratwatte, skipper Lavnga Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Danushka Ranjan and utility player Srinath Sooriyabandara.

( Source: Daily News)