Do or Die!!!

By Harry Jayachandra

For the second successive year it comes down to the wire. CR and FC’s hiccup at the hands of Havelocks last week, now seems like a full blown viral flu. They face up to Kandy today at Longden Place, knowing two things. The first is they have to beat the reigning champs by more than five points to clinch the Caltex ‘A’ division. Secondly they cannot allow their opponents to score more tries than they do. Thus it all points to a thriller. But then again given the inconsistency of both sides, picking the final outcome would be nothing short of foolhardy.

CR and FC skipper Pavithra Fernando will have to marshal his troops with a precise plan if they are to bring back the trophy into their Colombo coffers.

The home side is bound to bounce back. Back to back failures by this talented side, is highly unlikely. However, pundits have been proved wrong on more occasions than one can count. Looking on the positive side CR’s pack had been formidable throughout the season. Rajith Jayasundera’s timely return has given the back division the cohesion it was lacking during the first few games of the tournament. But how well they function will depend on the halves combination of Amjad Buksh and Omar Sarrifodeen. Buksh is very quick but he has not had time to develop a good understanding with his partner. This seems to be CR’s only weakness.

Sajith Mallikarachchi’s Kandy men definitely will have to come up with a much improved performance today if they are to have a hold on the trophy for another year.

Led by in form flanker Pavithra Fernando, their engine room has functioned very well most of the season. However Kandy’s eight led by Dushantha Lewke, are more than a match for their opponents. But the Champions strength lies in their back division led by skipper Sajith Mallikarachchi. The one factor in CR’s favour is that Kandy has won their matches without getting out of second gear.

One player who has performed well throughout the season is flying winger Sanjeewa Jayasinghe. But the home side has their own ace in the form of Mohammed Sheriff. If it comes down to converting penalties it will depend on who has his kicking boots on – Nalaka Weerakkody or Sheriff. If one is superstitious, then touchwood for a great game befitting a pseudo finale and referee who fully understands the ‘advantage’ rule.

Teams

CR & FC from; Shamil Mohammed, Viraj Prasanna, Terrence Henry, Anuruddha Dharmatilleke, Savantha De Saram, Ashean Karthelis, Pavithra Fernando (Captain), Anuranga Walpola, Amjad Bulsh and Omar Sariffodeen, Ravindra Wekadapola, Achalanka Ayagama, Rajitha Jayasundera, Mohammed Sheriff and Asanga Rodrigo.

Kandy SC from; Jeewa Galgamuwa, Mohammed Buksh, Ajith Prasanna, Senaka Bandara, Mohammed Bisthamin, Sean Wijesinghe, Dhanushka Perara, Dushantha Lewke, Niloufer Ibrahim and Fazil Marija, Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Sajith Mallikkarachchi (Captain), Pradeep Liyanage, Chamara Vithanage/Sameera Silva and Nalaka Weerakkody
Referee: Nizam Jamaldeen.