Even-steven is the name of the game
The fates have conspired to deny the Police Sports Club a victory despite a couple of very impressive performances so far. For starters, they ran the Navy SC desperately close (23-24). They gave the champions a good fight at Nittawela. What happened last week was unbelievable.
Leading 19-0, they had the Havies at their mercy, but the Police somehow contrived to lose it 26-31.
Thus, after four games, Police have yet to win one. That today’s opponents, the Air Force, are also searching for their first win, is cold comfort. Because of the ‘home’ factor and their performances so far, the Police emerging winners in this game would be of little surprise.
It is interesting to watch the Police in action. They open out the game whenever possible. They have speed out on the wings, with Sujan Kodituwakku, in particular, being very fleet-footed.
Coach Shamly Nawaz has done well in producing the team he has. The players have responded eagerly, by playing with a lot of spirit. Flanker Vageesha Weerasinghe has been very impressive, and has touched down on a few occasions.
Winger Sachith Silva in his first season of club rugby, has fitted in well and become one of the key players. Seniors such as skipper Chanaka Udara, Utpala Edirisinghe, Shanaka Harischandra and Udaya Sanjula have played with a lot of commitment. Amitha Prabath’s kicking ability has come in handy. One gets the impression that it is now or never for the Police. They should seize this opportunity against the bottom-of-the-table Airmen.
The Airmen can take comfort from the fact that apart from the Navy game, they haven’t been beaten out of sight. Two matches were lost by eight-point margins, and one by nine. The Navy put some distance between the teams by winning 43-25.
Key to the Airmen’s fortunes has been the performance of fly half Gayan Iddamalgoda. He always looks to add momentum to the attacks. The contribution he makes with his goal kicking is not inconsiderable.
Hooker and captain Lahiru Udayanga is having a difficult time guiding his ‘flying machine’ in stormy weather. Greater effort is needed from the likes of Rumesh Wasanthe, Kaushal Manupriya, Saraka Werella et al.
Soorya Krishan has done well in the back division, scoring a few tries. Nuwan Perera, a decent player as a winger, also contributes with his boot. Fullback Rumwsh Ramdas is safe in his collection and defence. The Air Force players don’t have a problem there.
Their most experienced player Charith Seneviratne is back in the fray, and this should give the team a big boost. He is versatile enough to play in a couple of positions. His place-kicking is reliable, too.
The Airmen should fancy their chances in this game. After all, though having some impressive performances, the Police are their immediate neighbours in the table.