Our match against Navy this week is another crucial match and the team will need to bounce back into focus following the Kandy mania last week. As with the first round we will be expecting a tough match and will need to set the platform early in the match iff we are to perform well in this match. Navy are a much better outfit than last year and have confirmed their meteoric rise by cementing a place in the top six for the final round.

Home ground advantage is good to have this week but Navy have shown that they are not intimidated by that factor and recent close losses to Kandy at Nittawella and draws with Army are testament that they can and will cause an upset if given the chance. Their defence is quite good for a lower placed team and CR will need to play good rugby and maintain the ball throughout the match if we are to get on top of the Navy side.

Our last match against Kandy was disappointing as far as our execution is concerned. We squandered too many opportunities especially in the first half and little mistakes such as getting isolated with the ball leading to subsequent turnovers. Another area we will be looking to turn around is our one on one tackle contest, too many times players wee not individually winning the tackle, getting to ground in behind the defence and presenting the ball well for supporting players. In my opinion this was a major floor in our open play v Kandy and could have really made a difference to the scoreline in our favour.

This week we will be looking to maintain possession out wide and will be looking to maintain our continuity, looking to get past 5 phases or better. Another goal this week is to ensure that our defence remains top shelf and fix our one on one tackling, once again we will be making sure the opposition do not cross our line or get opportunites to goal from penalties in our half.

The team has a few changes this week due to injuries (Viraj – Ankle, Naufer – Knee, Sandun – Knee) so there will be some unfamiliararity with some players and a couple of new A players making their debut. I am confident the players will pull together and give another good performance. Once again the team are looking forward to the continued support from our members and club supporters who formed part of the massive crowd for the Kandy match.