CH fight back to hold Kandy to a thrilling draw

By Shamseer Jaleel at Nittawela

Defending league champions, Kandy Sports Club were forced to settle for a share of the spoils as CH & FC produced a spirited second-half comeback to draw 24–all in a pulsating Inter-Club ‘A’ Division rugby encounter at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday. Kandy scored through 4 tries and 2 conversions, while CH replied with 3 tries, 1 conversion and a penalty try to level scores in the end.

At the short breather, Kandy led 17-5.

Kandy dominated the opening half with authority, but a lapse in concentration after the breather allowed CH to claw their way back in impressive fashion. The home team settled quickly into their rhythm in the first half, playing structured and purposeful rugby. Their forwards laid a solid platform, while the backs capitalised on quick recycling of possession. For Kandy, Dinal Ekanayake, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Shaahid Zumri and Dilshard Fareed played well, while for CH & FC Pulasthi Dassanayake, Maliksha Perera and Dharshana Dabare played their hearts out. CH’s overseas player, Serupepeli Turuva, was injured in the early half and was replaced by Kori Tomanikalu.

Fareed was the standout, crossing twice with strong running close to the line, while Dahan Wickramarachchi and Zumri added further tries to underline Kandy’s early dominance. Zumri booted over one conversion, ensuring the hosts enjoyed a commanding 17-5 lead at the short breather. Janith Chandimal touched down for CH’s first-half try.

CH struggled to contain Kandy’s tempo in the opening half and were limited to a solitary try as Kandy controlled both territory and possession. However, the momentum of the contest shifted dramatically after the interval. Kandy, despite scoring once more, were guilty of repeated handling errors and missed opportunities, allowing CH to grow in confidence and dictate play. 

The visitors returned with renewed purpose, displaying far better organisation and urgency. Tries from Dassanayake and Thamanikalu, along with a penalty try, saw CH pile on 19 points in the second half. Perera kept the scoreboard ticking with two vital conversions as CH erased the deficit and stunned the home crowd.

Kandy will go through some tough times in round 2 if their poor handling errors are not fixed, which were noticed in the first half of the Police game and in the latter half against CH & FC yesterday. A major concern remains over their goal-kicking and penalty-kick consistency, areas that once again proved costly for the home team. 

CH will take heart from a spirited second-half performance that showed character and belief against the defending champions. Both teams remain unbeaten after their first three games.

Referee: Gihan Yatawara

Scores:

Kandy SC 24 points

CH & FC 24 points