Defending league champions Kandy Sports Club scored a convincing 34-9 win over Police Sports Club in their Dialog first round inter-club league match played at the Nittawela grounds yesterday. With some well taken tries in front of a passionate home crowd, the champions initially took some time to settle down but the moment they did the game changed to the likes of the entire stadium with loud cheers and clapping with joy.
Most spectators rejoiced as Kandy SC played a champion game. The performance wasn’t how Police supporters would have liked but any match is a challenge and a real battle and it was very pleasing how the Nittawela guys stuck to it. Both Kandy and Police produced a composed and ruthless display with a good physical performance with their forwards being more dynamic especially in the first half.
The defending champions were safely through to lead 17-9 at half time. It was nice to see the Policemen giving a good display of rugby. Kandy was determined to prove they were more than deserving of the respect offered to them by their visitors, but failed.
Too many top players faultered while handling the ball . In the second half the game gathered momentum and the winners were able to add few more points.
They gained the advantage winning the ball more often, but failed to convert it into points.The Nittawella side had the edge over the cops, they played with better understanding with short crisp passes, , but they were unable to put the finishing touches. Yesterday Kandy failed to use their rugby skills. They should realise that rugby is not an individual game and it is a fifteen man game, and team coordination is an essential essential part. Generally Kandy had the better of exchanges. Police too played an intelligent game mainly while defending. The Policemen are a fine side and shouild have done better , but they failed badly in the second half.
They had all the power and knowledge but failed to drive home the advantage, due to thier back division not being cohesive.
Kandy SC scored 34 points (3 goals, 2 tries and a penalty) to 9 points (3 penalties) by Police. For Kandy, Fazil Marija, Kanchana Ramanayake, Shehan Pathirana, Danush Dayan and Richard Dharmapala scored the tries. The goal kicking was done by Thilina Wijesinghe. For Police the three penalties came off the boot of Rajitha Sansoni. Referee: Dinka Peries.