Having being dethroned last year, Kandy Sports Club reinforced their dominance as they continued their march towards regaining the top prize in the inter club league rugby championship edging out CH and FC 39-28 in a pulsating third week encounter at the Race Course Ground in Colombo last Sunday.
The table-toppers combined ruthless first-half precision with dogged second-half defence to secure their third consecutive win making last week’s contest a tale of two halves.
Kandy SC, brimming with confidence, stormed to a commanding 24-7 lead by the interval after CH’s hooker Pulasthi Dassanayake opened the scoring with a well-earned try converted by Janith Chandimal.
But Kandy quickly found their rhythm, with winger Dinal Ekanayake responding with an unconverted try to reduce the deficit and then to brighten up proceedings Nigel Ratwatte and captain Srinath Sooriyabandara crossed the line in quick succession with Tarinda Ratwatte’s unerring boot adding the extras.
Ekanayake added his second try before the break, putting Kandy firmly in control.
The second half began with Kandy extending their dominance as Ratwatte slotted a penalty and hooker Wajid Fawmy barged over to push the score-line to 32-7.
However, CH refused to lie low and lock forward Nirosh Perera initiated their fight-back with a rousing try converted by Chandimal.
The fly-half then took matters into his own hands, scoring and converting two quick tries to slash Kandy’s lead to 32-28 asThanuja Dilshan’s stoppage-time try added further pressure setting up a tense finish.
Kandy’s composure under pressure proved decisive as winger Kavindu Perera darted over for a crucial late try, following a sharp pass from Shahid Zumry. Ratwatte capped off his outstanding performance with the conversion, sealing the victory.
Kandy’s triumph underlined their mettle and adaptability, blending attacking flair with defensive resilience while CH’s gallant display spearheaded by the tireless Chandimal, showed their potential to challenge the league’s best.
Pictures by Wasitha Patabendige
