Kandy SC take on CH in expected blockbustre

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending league champions, Kandy Sports Club will return to action for their second consecutive home fixture when they take on CH and FC at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium on Sunday with kick-off scheduled for 3.00 pm. 

With both teams unbeaten after two outings, this encounter promises to be one of the highlights of the early league phase.

Kandy SC have made an impressive start to their title defence, opening the season with a commanding 44/14 victory before overpowering Police SC 49/17 last weekend. Despite an ordinary first-half display against Police, the champions regrouped superbly after the break to run riot at Nittawela, once again underlining their strength at home.

The Kandy SC outfit boasts a formidable record at Nittawela, having turned the venue into a fortress since 1994. Over the past three decades, Kandy SC’s dominance on home turf or playing away has been a cornerstone of their league success, with visiting sides traditionally finding it difficult to cope with the altitude, crowd intensity and Kandy’s relentless style of play.

Led by skipper Tharindu Chaturanga, Kandy will rely heavily on the experienced form of Dilshan Fareed, Dahan Wickremarachchi, Kavindu Perera, Srinath Sooriyabandara and Dinal Ekanayake. Sooriyabandara’s versatility has stood out, having shifted from fly half to fullback in the previous match to ignite Kandy SC’s attacking momentum.  Shaahid Zumri is tipped to return to the starting line-up, further strengthening the hosts.

CH, meanwhile, arrive in Kandy with confidence after a solid 29/5 win over Police SC and a thrilling 34/32 victory against fancied CR and FC. Led by Janidu Dilshan CH can rely Thanuja Maduranga, Maliksha Perera and Deshan Vimukthi who are in fine form. They have lived up to high expectations so far with their Fijian centre Turu Serupipille too looking dangerous.

While CH may hold a slight edge in the forwards, Kandy SC’s dangerous three-quarter line and proven home dominance give them the advantage.