Kandy to continue unbeaten run

Kandy to continue unbeaten run

By Shamzeer Jaleel

Pumped up and unbeaten Kandy SC will be up against demotivated  CH & FC outfit at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium this week-end.  Kandy after their super win over the Red Shirts last week-end are expected to pull this off as well. On form and fitness the Up Country outfit should pull this off without much difficulty.

Up Country lads are yard faster than the CH & FC who are already beaten on no less than three games. Their fitness is a major worry for the team management headed by Ronny Ibrahim. Individually there are some big names such as Yoshitha Rajapakse, Sudahrshana Muthuthanthri, Hirantha Perera, Lee Keegale, Niroshan Perera, Sudam Sooriyarachchi and Samuel Maduwantha but as a unit they are yet to click but could be too late now conceding three vital games in the first round. Local boy, Samuel Maduwantha's kicking will be vital in order to put pressure on the home team. He too being in good form in certain matches only losing out on consistency.

Meanwhile Kandy led by Richard Dharmapala supported by Dhanushka Ranjan, Roshan Weeraratne, Heshan Kalhara, Shehan Pathirana,Sayuru Anthony, Buwanaka Udangamuwa and Yakoob Ali. Their full back, Thilina Wijesinghe is in peak form this season. He is safe in his position giving the much needed territorial advantage for Kandy  and putting the pressure on the visiting teams. Kandy will be without Sooriyabandara, Gayan and Wilwara. On form Kandy should win this encounter and continue their unbeaten run in league. 

For the good work done so far in the season young referee, Ishanka Abeykoon will be given the whistle to blow at this encounter. Referees should be mindful of injuries and not to allow players when they are not fit enough to be on the field due to injuries sustained at the game. Coaching staff will always want to win but it should not be at the risk of players. Both Match Doctor and referees will need to play an active role to avoid these incidents supported by the Match Commissioner.

Date               Dec 9

Venue            Nittawela

Referee         Ishanka Abeykoon