Kandy look to regain winning momentum as CH eye home win

Kandy SC travel to Panagoda today for a tough clash against Army SC

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending League champions Kandy Sports Club will face a demanding challenge this weekend when they travel to Panagoda to take on Army Sports Club today (24), beginning one of their four long journeys into the humid Colombo conditions. After suffering a narrow defeat to CR & FC and being held to a draw by CH & FC after a legal try was disallowed, Kandy will be keen to regain momentum and are likely to target a bonus-point victory to strengthen their position at the business end of Round One. But the up-country outfit is likely to make five changes for this encounter, resting a few of their senior players due to injury concerns and getting them available for the Super Round next week.
Despite recent setbacks, Kandy possess one of the most dangerous attacking backlines in the competition, with pace, creativity and experience across the three-quarter line. Their ability to stretch defences out wide, combined with a solid forward platform, makes them favourites going into this encounter. The forwards have consistently provided go-forward ball and stability at set-piece time, which should allow Kandy to dictate the tempo against an Army side that has shown commitment but lacked consistency.

Army will rely heavily on experience and physicality to stay competitive, and they are capable of making this a stern contest, particularly at breakdowns and in contact situations. However, over eighty minutes, Kandy’s superior depth and attacking options are expected to prove decisive. Army SC, led by Sudaraka Dikkumbura, possess good quality players such as Mohamed Akram and Ijaz Ahamed.

Referee: Nalin Lasantha

On the same day at the Race Course ground, CH & FC will host Sri Lanka Air Force in what promises to be an entertaining encounter. CH, who were outclassed by Havelock SC and managed a hard-fought draw against Kandy, appear better settled and should be favoured to come away with a win. Their structured approach and ability to control possession could tilt the balance in their favour. CH skipper Janidu Dilshan and Maliksha Perera are the players to watch out for from the CH camp, while Air Force possesses Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Shaminda Kushan and Shanaka Werella, who are the top-end players from the Ratmalana outfit.

Referee: Raveen Alexander

The final match of Round One will be played tomorrow (25) at Welisara, where Sri Lions will host Navy Sports Club. With the ninth-placed team exiting the league and qualification implications for the Clifford Cup, this contest between the bottom two sides is expected to be closely fought.

Referee: Kelum Sandaruwan