Clifford Cup rugby tournament that has been played on a knock-out basis is set to begin on March 26. Unlike in other years when the venue will be neutral, this year the team that ended up high on the league table will be given the home advantage.
Another advantage is that the top ranked team will also host the quarter-final and if victorious they will be given the green light to host the semi-final and potentially the final.
The team that ended up higher on the league points table will meet the team that ended up last. Kandy SC did not participate in the Clifford Cup Knock-out tournament last season as Kandy were not given the home advantage. Now that they rule has been changed Kandy SC has consented to enter this tournament this year. Thus Kandy SC will be taking on Sri Lions at Nittawela on March 26.
Having finished the league on a high being unbeaten, Kandy SC had crushed the Sri Lions 61-14 in their first encounter at Nittawela. Sri Lions also faced a disappointing defeat against a winless Navy SC team in their last match.
Air Force SC will host CH at Ratmalana on March 27. Being one of the oldest rugby clubs in Sri Lanka there was a rumor that they would not participate this year due to not having a venue of their own. However with CR & FC extended their support by allowing them to use Longdon Place CH has now confirmed of their participation.
CR & FC who finished in third place in the League will take on Police at Longdon Place on March 28, while Havelocks will host Army at Havelock Park on March 29.
Police SC are capable of overturning events in their match against CR who won the first round in convincing fashion. Police were involved in a first week fiasco by abandoning their match against Army SC in the first round. Had they won that match it would have given them the Plate.
Havelock SC must put up an improved performance against Army SC that will put them in the semi-final. Havies looks like they are the front runners for the Clifford Cup and should come up at full strength.
The semi-finals will be played on April 1 and 2 and the final is set for April 6.
