Two weeks hence, no clear favourite
View(s):Feelings of worry, nervousness and apprehension have stepped up as early as the second week of rugby. The third week is bound to increase tension much further. Two teams saw their plans upset as the results at the end of second week’s show.
Action at the Navy Vs Police match
Two teams that were expected to lead namely Kandy and Havelock’s lost their bearings. CR took a turn up in their playing cycle which seemed to be very introductory in the first week reaching the first notch of growth which was good enough to beat Havelocks. I would still think they have taken just one step and have the potential to grow. They have the luxury of two wins to dust more of the cob webs and be a challenge to the top.
Havelocks appeared to have dropped down in the curve and could not match CR. They are not material for decline. It was not that the rugby of the winning team was superlative, but the Park Club dropped its guard and at the end of week two.
Havelock’s it seemed have been affected with player migration. They lost some key forwards who were there last year. This game never reached the climax of a CR-Havies game of yesteryear. The mistakes in handling, contest at breakdown and losing line-outs or throwing crooked marked the otherwise the dull rugby. The number of penalties in this game should be source of worry to both sides.
Army displayed a much improved performance which was promised before the match, as explained by an official. He commented that they have taken the bull by the horn. I was told that the Army dumped as many as nine of the team that played in the first game and brought in regular Army players for this game while putting their foreign players on notice.
Army played a very much improved game as compared to the game they played against CR and lost in the first week. This performance by Army brings to the front to question whether many clubs are pampering the gypsies of rugby who jump ship when offered financial gains but never have their heart with the team they play for. In other words do they display that they are less passionate?
Credit goes to the Army who showed what they are capable of doing and giving notice of what they are capable of. Going this way this team looks capable of upsetting others who. Kandy, in my view never used the running play I expected having such a strong back division. What can you do with a star studded back division if the forwards don’t get them the ball or when you get it the ball it is kicked rather than changing hands? Additionally just as much as others they too did not have much structure and character in their play at the break down.
This week leaves two teams Navy and CR with two wins in two weeks heading the herd in the league and is ahead in the table. It is too early to predict who will be the “best of all.” Navy was to a great extent more organised as they ran round the Police at Police Park. A feature of this match was that 14 tries were scored and ten of them by the Navy. Police scoring four tries while the game was something that a spectator would like to see. That is ruby that gets tries on the scoreboard. Police it appears are a trifle unlucky as they have had to meet bigger names in their first two games. I would still bet my two cents on Police sitting among the first six at the end of the first half.
CH and FC was out on the park for the first time this season and got the better of the foreigner less Air Force winning by 30 points to 15. CH cannot be happy with their performance but nevertheless should be smiling as they have won the first match and will not have to go though the season without a win. An important hurdle is making a comeback which may not be a sparkling entry. To be among the first six will not be an easy task unless they brush up the game and look at their defense which allowed room for Air Force to fly through.
I hope the tension on the park will lead to better rugby. Just moping and talking of about what is spent will not be useful unless those on the park walk the talk. With many foreign players around and better birds flocking together there have not been much of rugby considering the talent and skills they are supposed to have.
The talent is there for running but the skills of handling are a question while the big boys in the front are not giving good ball for the runners and handlers. Unless you get the combination right the management will keep complaining while the spectators keep grumbling.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB