Kandy SC and CR battle for League’s top finish

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending champions and League table leaders Kandy Sports Club lock horns with second placed CR and FC in the final Super Round encounter of the Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/2026 at Longden Place today with kick off scheduled for 6.30 pm.

Kandy SC move into the match topping the League on 51 points with CR and FC close behind on 48. 

Kandy SC arrive at this encounter with renewed confidence after rediscovering top form in their emphatic win over Havelock Sports Club last weekend. 

That performance underlined their ability to rise to the occasion when the pressure is at its highest, a hallmark of championship-winning teams. It has been a long journey for Kandy SC as they play their third Super Round match in warm Colombo conditions.

Led by skipper Tharindu Chathuranga, Kandy SC possess a formidable unit. Experienced campaigners Dilshan Fareed and Thilina Bandara provide physicality and control in the tight exchanges while Dahan Wickremarachchi anchors the scrum from the Number Eight position. The inclusion of 20-year-old Tongan forward Salesi Havea during the Super Round has further strengthened their options, with the youngster capable of operating effectively at flanker or Number Eight. Nippy scrum half Heshan Jenson operates from the base been at his best with his options.

Their backline remains one of the most potent in the league. Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekanayake and Akash Madushanka offer blistering pace and finishing ability ensuring Kandy SC can strike from anywhere on the park. At the back, the tireless Sooriyabandara brings stability and experience.

Centre Diluksha Dange has been sidelined following a red-card offence. Crucially, goal-kicking duties will rest with the reliable Hirusha Sampath, whose accuracy could prove decisive in a closely fought contest.

CR and FC, led by fly-half Lasindu Karunathilake, have endured an up-and-down Super Round but remain a dangerous proposition. The Red Shirts have the ability to lift their game on big occasions and will view this encounter as their final opportunity to wrest momentum away from the defending champions. 

They lost the momentum after the one-week break between round one and the Super round losing to Havelocks but recovered with a good comeback win over CH.

The Longden Place outfit boast several proven match-winners. Thenuka Nanayakkara, Mursheed Doray and Manilka Ruberu have been their stand out players. 

Given the magnitude of the occasion, discipline and control will be critical. Karunathilake should be careful not to mix up his emotions with leadership qualities which will be monitored closely. 

The match will be officiated by British-born referee James Fairbourn, currently based in the UAE and one of Asia Rugby’s elite referees.