Kandy have the edge over CR and FC

S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Correspondent

The defending Caltex League champions Kandy Sports Club should win but it is going to be tough for them when they take on the strong CR and FC in a key Caltex Rugby League 'A' Division rugby tournament match to be played at Nittawela on June 13 (Sunday) with the kick off at 4.30 p.m.

Kandy has been experiencing wet weather conditions this week but you can never say what will be the weather like two days from today. This clash between the Red Shirts and Kandy Sports Club has always evoked tremendous spectator interest as this clash provides the beat of rugby and as it has been always the case both teams are top contenders for rugby's plum.

The General Secretary of Kandy Sports Club Leslie de Zoysa told the Daily News that a very large turn out of spectators is expected for this match and in order to avoid the last minute rush. The tickets will be available at the gates from 10 a.m. on Saturday. The spectators are advised to buy them early in order avoid the last minute rush which will result in them being held up at the gates and may miss watching the early stages of the match. Zoysa's advice is that buy your tickets in advance and be in your seats early.

The high riding Kandy Sports Club once again lost to Navy at Welisara in a close match - margin of just one point and the match winner was Old Kingswoodian and stand off Dev Anand who executed two well calculated drop goals which finally made the difference.

There were weak links in Kandy's armoury and when Dev Anand was attempting drop goals, there was hardly anyone to thwart him, thus giving him a free passage.

Their three quarters too had a poor game and they cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes against the Red Shirts.

Kandy's spot kicking too needs improvement though we are at the middle of the season. There is also news of former Kandy's star place kicker and drop goal expert full back Nalaka Weerakoddy staging a come back to help the Kandy club if they continue to perform badly.

Nalaka Weerakoddy told this correspondent that he may stage a come back depending on his fitness. At present he is playing a lot of soccer representing two clubs Golden Star and Kandy York SC in the tournaments. He has not lost his kicking ability. If he regains his fitness, then he is sure to turn out for Kandy at least for the second round matches.

CR and FC are lying at the top of the table of points with 23 points and they are unbeaten. Kandy is second with 22 points and Navy third with 21 points. If CR and FC wins this match, they will further consolidate their position at the top of the table making it difficult for Kandy SC in the second round matches.

On the other hand if 'Kandy SC wins, they will once again be at the top of the table leaving only Navy to be the unbeaten team in the tournament.

Red Shirts were given a tough time by CH and FC last week before scrambling home a close 23 - 17 win. But when it come to playing against Kandy SC the fire inside them is ignited and they breathe fire and give out their best.