Defending champs Kandy SC tame Lions

S M Jiffrey Abdeen, - Kandy Sports Correspondent

Defending League Champions Kandy Sports Club did not encounter much opposition before posting a fairly comfortable 26 points (4 tries, 2 penalties) to 11 (1 try, 2 penalties) win over the new comers Upcountry Lions, Nawalapitiya in their Dialog League rugby tournament match played before a large crowd at the Nittawela Stadium, Kandy yesterday. At half time, Kandy Sports Club led 13-8.

Much was expected from Upcountry Lions but they failed to perform as a team.

The foreign players displayed individual brilliance but they lacked to combine with the local players which resulted in their under performing as a team. But they are a good side and with more playing together could be a big threat to other teams.

Before the commencement of the match both teams were introduced to the chief guest - Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa. Also watching the match was Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

This match was a personal triumph for Kandy's fly half Fazil Marija and full back Saliya Kumara who put up a dazzling display. Fazil Marija controlled the game from his pivotal position often punching holes in the Lions defence and also made some daring breaks. Saliya Kumara manning the last line of defence was solid as a rock and his collection was clean and his long range kicks often found touch deep inside the opponents territory relieving pressure and gaining good round.

With the kick off Kandy kept attacking but the Lions defended their line well to prevent the winners from scoring.

The game was 10 minutes, when the Upcountry Lions drew first blood through a 30-metre penalty fired by full back Rajitha Sansoni.

But Kandy took over the lead six minutes later when their forwards penetrated deep into Lions territory and prop forward Kishore Jehan barged over by the left corner flag. Saliya Kumara failed to add the extra points. Kandy 5-3.

In the period of play which followed Lions kept attacking but they were kept at bay by Kandy's fotified defence.

In the 28th minute a Lions player was penalised for playing from an off side position and Saliya Kumara converted a 30-metre penalty. Kandy 8-3. A few minutes later the Upcountry Lions drew level when that nippy scrum half Srinath Suriyabandara sneaked over by the left corner flag. Rajitha Sansoni failed to add the extra points. The scores were level 8 all.

With a minute to go for the short whistle Kandy's three quarters moved the ball and Kandy's scrum half Roshan Weeraratne collecting a pass from Fazil Marija scored for left. Winger Nuwan Hettiarachchi failed to add the extra points. Kandy 13-8.

In the 7th minute of the second half saw a relentless attack by Kandy with both the backs joining the forwards and Fazil Marija blunted his way to score by the left corner flag. Winger Nuwan Hettiarachchi failed to add the extra points. Kandy 18-8.

Three minutes later a 30-metre penalty converted by Rajitha Sansoni saw the Lions reducing the gap to 18-1. Upcountry Lions could have scored shortly afterwards but their moves did not have the finish.

In the 36th minute Kandy's three quarters moved the ball smoothly ending in winger Nuwan Hettiarachchi scoring by the left corner flag which sealed fate of the match though Saliya Kumara failed to goal from a difficult angle.

In the final minute of play Saliya Kumara put over a simple penalty from 30-metres to give his side a resounding win.

Pradeep Fernando refereed.