Champs CR host Navy SC in curtain raiser

 By: Shamseer Jaleel

Feb.27 (Mirror Sports) - The Clifford Cup knockout rugby tournament will get underway today in Colombo with two important quarter-final encounters scheduled to be played simultaneously at 4 pm as the top eight clubs battle for a place in the semi-finals at one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious rugby competitions.

League champions, CR and FC will host Navy Sports Club in the first quarter-final encounter at Longden Place today. The Red Shirts head into the knockout stage after enjoying a highly successful league campaign under the leadership of their tough and determined skipper Lasindu Karunathilake.

They displayed excellent form throughout the season and notably defeated defending champions, Kandy Sports Club on three occasions, a feat that highlights their dominance this year. Several players contributed key roles in their impressive league triumph, with Thenuka Nanayakkara, Mursheed Doray and Manilka Ruberu producing consistent performances for the champions.

Navy SC will be aiming to continue their momentum after overcoming Sri Lions in the pre quarter-final stage. Players in the mould of Isuru Perera, Isuru Congahawatte and Koojana Kulasinghe are expected to step up and give a strong challenge against the in-form CR outfit.

The second quarter-final will see CH and FC taking on Plate champions Air Force Sports Club at the Royal Sports Complex today. CH and FC, led by Janidu Dilshan, showed promising performances during the league season though they lacked consistency at times.

With experienced players like Mohamed Absal, Janith Chandimal and the powerful Fijian Koli in their ranks, CH will look to produce a strong performance.

Air Force SC, captained by Shanaka Werella, will enter the match with confidence after their Plate success.

Their lineup includes key players such as Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Shamika Kaushan, Ishara Madushan and overseas recruit Afasua Yaovasa, making this contest one that promises to be closely fought.

The winners of both games will meet in the first semifinal.