Kandy Sports Club maintained their superior run in the ongoing Dialog ‘A’ division League rugby tournament despite a heavy downpour in the second half when they beat a determined CR&FC by 24 points ( Two goals and two tries) to 12 ( One try and a penalty try) at Longden Place yesterday.
In the first half both teams were in a compelling battle of supremacy , Kandy playing with their strong set of three quarters with Anurudha Willawara, Roshan Weeraratne and Fazil Marija outstanding. It was Kandy who opened scoring off a three quarter move by Willawara who touched down for Nigel Ratwatte to add the extra points. It did not take long for the ‘red shirts’ to reduce the lead when Ravindu de Costa scored an unconverted try.
Kandy’s powerful set of three quarters gave a fine display as they combined well and Jason Dissanayake powered himself through several defenders to touch down , but Nigel Ratwatte missed the conversion and Kandy led 12-5 at the short breather.
With the beginning of the second half the heavens opened and an absolute deluge drenched the ground. However, play continued and the game was transformed to a battle of forwards. CR&FC had the better of the exchanges , but the Kandyans hit back with their bac k division. The ball was not easy to handle but it moved from hand to hand effectively at times in spite of the slippery comdition.
After a try scored b y one of the Kandy forwards which Nigel Ratwatte added the extra points, Danushka Ranjan kicked ahead and scored. CR&FC were awarded a penalty try for obstructing deliberately to being the final tally 24-12 in favour of Kandy. Dinka Peiris refereed.