Kandy sip rugby nectar off the ‘Cup’

By A Special Sports Correspondent

Kandy Sports Club have proved their might this season with their irresistible style of rugby. They have crowned themselves undisputable rugby champions by bagging the ‘Cup Championship’ in the domestic league tournament which was contested by eight other teams. Skipper Srinath Sooriyabandara and his teammates have restored some of the pride they lost during the 2023/24 season at the hands of CR&FC, which bagged the league title last year.

Most importantly Kandy has rebuilt their side with new blood. Given the brutal and physical nature of rugby, there are now many young players who have proven that they are ready to take over after the senior brigade call it a day. Players in the likes of Thilina Bandara, Chathura Soysa, Dahan Wickremaarachchi, Wewala Panditha, Heshan Jansen, Shahid Zumri, Asiri Senevirathne, Kudalige Chathuranga and Diluksha Dange have complemented the playing of the seniors with their contributions on the field. Mention must also be made of front row forwards Malitha Wijesundara, Dilshan Fareed, Milan Weerasinghe and lock forward Nalan Premanath.

Fly half and playmaker Tharinda Ratwatte had an outstanding season with the boot and also in the ‘loose’. He is one player who can scan the field and initiate a try; especially at difficult times when no one can score. There is much for the juniors to watch and learn from him.

His cousin Nigel is a smart player who knows the value of teamwork. He has been amazing as a centre three quarter and initiated many try scoring moves this season. The other players who made Kandy proud this season were Dhanushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, Kavindu Perera and Sooriyabandara, who was a tower of strength at the last line of defense. Mention must also be made about head coach Fazil Marija and forwards coach Terrance Henry for molding the players.

The winning of a prestigious rugby tournament like this means much to the hill country folk who otherwise have less than a handful of crowd-pulling events taking place in Kandy. The Dalada Perahera (pageant) is one and for a selected few there is the Brady Shield, which is played between Royal and Trinity. Kandy rugby has general overall appeal as a spectator sport and can give the people of the Central Hills the feeling that ‘they too belong’ in the rugby crowds that flock to Nittawela to see the men clad in red, blue and white jerseys pummel the opposition.

There is one more prestige game for Kandy this Sunday against Havelocks, scheduled to take place in Nittawela. There is no bearing on the title fight even if Kandy SC loses this game. But hats off to the Park Club side for giving a run to the best sides this season. In all probability Havelocks Sports Club should finish as runners up in the Cup Championship.

The other teams in the tournament, Sri Lions, Army, Navy, CH and Police did well, recording outstanding performances. CH and Army have done exceptionally well this season and are contenders for the Plate Championship.

The tournament is organized by Sri Lanka Rugby and sponsored by Dialog.