Kandy Sports Club on a roll after being unbeaten in seven outings during the first round of the Nippon Paints inter-club rugby league tournament will face a tough hurdle against resurgent Police in the return clash at Police Park today. Kick-off is at 4.15 pm.
Being the first match in the second round for both teams in the Cup segment, the tussle for supremacy will be greater since both teams realize the value of drawing first blood to win the plum.
Kandy SC will be raring to exhibit their inherent rugby skills and assert their supremacy in no uncertain terms to maintain their superb performance in the first round against a top four side Police who are not out of contention for the title.
Kandy SC will field the best available side and a fully fit skipper Nigel Ratwatte is expected to make a world of a difference, especially since he is backed by a set of gallant fighters. They are sure to change their tactics and open out the game although Kandy SC’s forte is their forwards.
The Chairman of Kandy SC’s Rugby Committee SC Lasantha Wijesuriya says that the dedication of the players, the discipline they followed and the backing from rugby lovers was what really made the side a formidable force in the first round. They hope to do the same in the home stretch for the league title.
Police SC are also blessed with a talented side and are expected to be at full strength for this key game. Much will be expected from their forwards to give a good display. The Cops have many experience players and are likely to forge ahead with their forwards.
Probable teams
Kandy SC: Charles Praveen, Damith Dissanayake, Lasitha Aththanagoda, Thilina Bandara, Chathura Zoysa, Tharindu Chathuranga, Bawantha Dharmapala, Jason Dissanayake, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Nigel Ratwatte (captain), Buddima Piyaratne, Tharinda Ratwatte, Lavanga Perera, Diluksha Dange, Roshan Weeraratne, Head coach: Fazil Marija, Assistant coach: Buddhika Thalagampola.
Police SC: Hashan Fernando, Rasith Silva, Danushka Edirisuriya, Udara Sooriyapperuma, Mohan Wimalaratne, Udaya Sanjula, Wageesha Weerasinghe, Chanaka Harishchandra, Suranga Kasun and Yohan Perera, Sachith Silva, Prince Akash, Iroshan Silva (captain), Shan Akila, Janith Chanaka, Head coach: Asanga Rodrigo, Assistant coach: Danushka Boteju