Nittawela – Kandy comes back to roost
It is sudden death time when hosts Kandy face the challenge of the redoubtable CH&FC today. The two earlier matches were shared. Predictably Kandy emerged 38-22 winners at home, while the CH prevailed 33-17, also at home. The CH certainly have the momentum going for them having preserved a clean slate in the second round.
In contrast, the CH only beat three service teams in round one, and were soundly thrashed by an inspired Army team. But over the course of the last seven weeks, their transformation has been nothing short of sensational.
Samuel Maduwantha, a Kandyan who threw in his lot with the Colombo Club, has been the star of the show. His kicks at goal have been accurate, give or take an occasional miss. He has also developed the confidence to strike out on his own and has come up with some important tries.
The outsides have performed well, and Adam Gauder’s expertise has lent them a cutting edge. Sudam Sooriyaarachchi has been excellent, and his opportunism has provided them with many tries.
Sudarshana Muthuthantri may not have scored many tries since his return, but with his experience and skill, remains a formidable opponent. Flanker Nivanka Prasad has caught the eye with his tireless play. He has been responsible for quite a few tries.
Sajith Saranga, Matheesha Sarachchandra and hooker Prasad Madusanka have fitted in well. Their contribution has been immense.
Skipper Rohitha Rajapaksa deserves credit for getting the team to play together, and to play well, at that. The brand-name sells!
I doubt if, in it’s triumphant march over the years, the Kandy team has ever been so injury stricken. Centre Gayan Weeraratne, a massive presence among the outsides has hardly played. Buvaneka Udangamuwe continues to be out of action. The latest casualty is wing three quarter Vishvamitra Jayasinghe. He was looking good when he was struck down. Effervescent sevens specialist, Srinath Sooriyabandara continues his recovery.
Players who occupied key positions have been ruled out. That captivating fluency that characterized the Kandy SC back division is missing, most times. Richard Dharmapala’s team did provide some magical moments against the Havies. They were enthralling while they lasted. The Kandy pack certainly misses their inspiring number eight. It was good to see Jason Dissanaike approaching his best form in the Havies game. Shehan Pathirana has had more responsibilities thrust on him and he has responded well. Suhiru Anthony works hard. Together with Yaqoob Ali, Heshan Kalhara and Tharindu Chaturanga, they make the forwards quite a potent force.
Kandy has lost three games in the second round. That is an indignity that has not been heaped on them for a long time. The Army started the not with a one point win. Then it was CH’s turn, and last Saturday the Havelocks followed suit.
The fact that Kandy allows teams to come back and dominate them must be a source of concern to the Club’s think tank. They led CR 28-0 early in the game, but Omalka Gunaratne’s lads came back and almost toppled them. They were in front 19-0 in the Havies game but the new table leaders struck back to tip the scales in their favour.
This second half malady could be a sign of something deeper and more damaging. Fitness levels should be looked at.
The Kandy team will be happy to play on their own patch, where they are seldom beaten. The Army achieved it. But not the CH. The CH is on a seven-match winning streak, while the home team is somewhat in disarray. I rest my case.