Kandy Sports Club, the unbeaten table leaders, stormed to a resounding 50-17 victory over Air Force SC in the opening match of the Cup Segment of the Mastercard ‘A’ Division Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament at the Air Force ground in Ratmalana yesterday.
Leading 31-5 at half time, Kandy SC showcased their superiority with a clinical all-round performance.
Air Force SC struck first in the ninth minute when Number Eight Shashika Fernando powered over for an unconverted try, giving the home side an early 5-0 lead.
Kandy SC responded swiftly as their playmaker and leading points scorer, Tarinda Ratwatte, slotted a penalty in the 12th minute, narrowing the gap to 5-3.
The momentum shifted decisively in Kandy’s favour when centre Dhanushka Ranjan touched down in the 25th minute, with Ratwatte converting to put the visitors ahead 10-5. Five minutes later, Their number eight Dahan Wickramarachchi barged over and Ratwatte added the extras to stretch the lead to 17-5.
Kandy SC’s relentless attack continued as winger Dinal Ekanayake crossed the line in the 34th minute. Ratwatte’s successful conversion took his personal tally beyond 100 points for the season, extending the lead to 24-5.
Just before half time, Wickramarachchi completed his brace and Ratwatte’s flawless kicking ensured a commanding 31-5 lead at the break.
Air Force SC showed some recovery after the restart, with Gayantha Iddamalgoda converting a try in the 45th minute to make it 31-12. However, Kandy quickly reasserted control as second-row forward Thilina Bandara capitalized on a defensive lapse to score in the 53rd minute, with Ratwatte converting for a 38-12 advantage. Bandara struck again in the 58th minute for an unconverted try, pushing the score to 43-12.
Kandy’s winger Diluksha Dange added another try in the 63rd minute and Ratwatte’s pinpoint accuracy with the boot took the tally to 50-12. Air Force managed a late consolation try through Fernando in the 70th minute, but Iddamalgoda’s missed the conversion left the final score at 50-17 in Kandy’s favour.
