The regal Kandy lads crown themselves in glory
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Shackled earlier on, Kandy SC played tactfully to lay their hands on the League title - File pic
Having already won the League, Kandy SC (KSC) will travel to Colombo to take on CH, who will have to weave a magic wand, if they are to win this one. The Sunday Times understands that the League Trophy will be presented to KSC after the CH match. This will be before the Havies vs Navy match on Sunday, which will only serve to complete the League, with no impact on the title.
Despite having lost 2 games in Round 1, KSC did well to come from behind and win the League. Their bonus points makes them clear winners ahead of Havies, who, despite having a match to play and having lost only 2 matches so far, will not be Table leaders, even if they beat Navy with maximum bonus points. This is an indication of the type of game KSC played against the rest in the League.
It is time to ask Havelocks as to what went wrong during the season. The most important is a self reflection on how well they played, than to think it was somebody else who caused us them to lose.
The game that decided the League started in a somewhat healthier environment, as the crowd was better than for most matches played in Colombo. I would think it was twice as better. Most of the 1st Half looked like the visitors to the Park were a true tourists getting accustomed to the surroundings. Was this a psychological drama of the match that was being displayed, were my first thoughts. Broods of unkempt rough looks seemed to get into locations, to place them in positions of chanting and irritation, from different locations of the ground. The thinking probably was linked to the hard and aggressive cheering crowds in KSC, who make it difficult for visitors at what was once known as the rubber tree end. Though the rubber tree is no longer there, the action still taunts and haunts visitors. Was it being readied as a Tit for Tat?
The psychological drawback for KSC of not only being visitors but, also having to play under lights, which was more in favour of the Havies. While KSC lost a fair share of the lineouts, they still went on to beat Havies. Having the advantage, the Park Club did not capitalise, and it took KSC around 45 minutes to get their act together.
Havies did not win this one, despite winning against the throw. Winning, after out-jumping, was squandered, as they conceded more penalties. Does this, and not making bettere use of home advantage, say something about their game plan? Why did they play to the tune of the KSC backs, opting to work the threes who were not as powerful as the KSC backs? Definitely, the Park Club forwards were a brand ahead of KSC. The game should have been built around the Havies forwards.
Havies started well, being the first to put points on the board. Halftime score was 8-6 in Kandy’s favour. This was despite Havies playing with 14 for 10 minutes, early in the Half. KSC started the 2nd Half with their key link man at the base, in the bin. Yet, in the 2nd Half, KSC added 18 points to the Park Club’s 5 points, stretching their lead more than they did in the 1st Half. There was more fire from the KSC backs in the 2nd Half. What could have been more points for KSC was not to be, as Havies defended with some resolute tackling.
KSC place kicking was disappointing, while Havies missed leading scorer Dulaj Perera, whose absence was much felt. The crowd encouraging Rugby was better. To some it was a moment to enjoy, as they cheered their offspring as well as friends. What was a blot on the game was that the Referee had to stop the game twice, due to unruly crowd invasion. The 3rd time was a bit lucky, as the invading crowds stepped back, when the Referee disallowed an attempted KSC try. The visiting Referee, unlike a local, is somewhat accustomed to boisterous crowd behaviour. Equally bad was the drunken reveler who uttered a mouthful of profanity at the Referee, at Half-time. The question is, what good do these drunks do to the game. As it is, the crowds are dwindling and Rugby is at a crossroad. Isn’t it time to ask, “Who let the dogs out?”
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB