Kandy SC defeated their closest rivals CR&FC for the 3rd time this season and ensured the prestigious Clifford Cup remained in their over stuffed trophy cabinet. Kandy stamped their supremacy once again when they defeated the Red Shirts by a margin of 21-0 up in Nittawela. At the outset CR dominated proceedings with possession, but once Kandy got into their rhythm it was catch-up rugby for the red shirts. Kandy scored a try and a penalty in the 1st half and was leading 8-0 at the lemons. After the turnaround, Kandy score a goal and 2 more penalties.
For the Red Shirts, almost the full side started the game with Shamil Mohamed (Capt - Prop), Navin Wijethunga (Hooker), Dhansuhka Boteju (Prop), Anuradha Dhamathilleke (2nd Row), Ashean Karthelis (2nd Row), Pavithra Fernando (Wing Forward), Kasun De Silva (Wing Forward) and Dushanth Lewke (Number 8) Suranga Pushpakumara (Scrum Half), Ashean De Costa (Fly Half), Niroshan Karunanayake (Center), Lasintha De Costa (Center), Rizvi Jabaar (Winger), Riza Mubarak (Winger), Mohamed Sheriff (Full Back). The bench comprised of Duminda Pullikuttiarachchi, Anuja Perara, Terrance Henry, Diran Warnakulasuriya, Amjad Buksch, Nuwan Chamara and Ravindra Wekadapola.
Mr. Rohan Chinthaka reflected that the team lacked experience with several seniors hanging up their boots a couple of seasons ago. The Red Shirts have found it difficult to replace some of the big name players such as Savantha De Saram, Asanka Rodrigo, Viraj Prasantha to name a few. He concluded by saying that the Longden Place club was looking at serious restructuring of the squad for the next season and all resources will be channeled towards building this young side. Rohan also mentioned that pre season will start sometime in October this year and the squad will train for the sevens tournaments that will be worked out during the latter part of the year.
We wish the Red Shirts all the very best for the next season.
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