Kandy Sports Club produced a majestic performance last week to maintain their unbeaten record in the Mastercard Inter-club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament, hammering defending champions CR and FC 32-10 at Longden Place. This victory not only marked their dominance but also saw them move to the top of the points table in the Cup segment, positioning themselves firmly in the race for the League title they lost last season after losing to CR & FC in a crucial final encounter.
Kandy SC’s control of the game was evident from the outset, as they capitalized on CR and FC’s early momentum. Despite the Red Shirts getting off to a fast start with a seventh-minute try from flanker Achitha Radeeshan, Kandy SC quickly found their rhythm. The visitors responded in the 12th minute with a brilliant interception try by centre Dhanushka Ranjan, cutting through the defence like a hot knife through butter. This moment of individual brilliance sparked a shift in the match and by the 25th minute, Ranjan had added another try, putting Kandy SC ahead 10-7.
Just before the break, Kandy extended their lead to 15-7 when winger Kavindu Perera dived over in the right corner. With several missed conversions, Kandy SC had to dig deep to maintain their advantage and they went into halftime with a solid but precarious eight-point lead.
The second half began with CR and FC looking to claw back into the game. Full back Mursheed Doray’s 52nd-minute penalty narrowed the gap to 15-10, but Kandy SC quickly reasserted their authority. A fine try from number eight Dahan Wickramarachchi, combined with a successful conversion by Tarinda Ratwatte in the 55th minute, gave Kandy SC a comfortable 22-10 lead.
The tactical substitution of Shahid Zumri added more firepower to Kandy’s backline as they capitalized on a sweeping move in the 65th minute, where Kavindu Perera rounded off an excellent team effort initiated by captain Srinath Sooriyabandara. Perera’s try, along with another successful conversion, extended Kandy’s lead to 29-10, effectively putting the game beyond reach for CR and FC.
Kandy SC’s defence, which had been resolute throughout, stood tall when CR and FC launched one last effort near their five-metre line. The Hill Capital Club’s defensive line was unbreakable, holding the Red Shirts at bay with an almost impenetrable wall.
With the game in the bag, Ratwatte added a penalty in the final minutes to increase their score to 32 points, sealing a dominant victory for Kandy SC. The victory not only maintained their unbeaten record but also earned them a crucial bonus point.
Kandy SC now sit on top of the table, with eyes firmly set on regaining the league title, while CR and FC will have to regroup after a challenging outing.
Referee: Raveen Alexander.
Pictures by Wasitha Patabendige
