Dialog Rugby League: Week 5 Preview

Three favourites won and Kandy still remain unbeaten however will a wounded CR team manage to take that tag away this weekend?

Both teams were defeated in close encounters last weekend and are seeking a victory to get back on track.

Police put on a show for the first time this season but a loss to Navy in the last minute will surely hurt more than ever. The only team to not register a win this season, the Cops, will be in dire need to get that duck off their back.

Hashan Gomes was a star from last week with a sensational try and the Cops will be hoping for a repeat performance from their half-back on home soil.

CH were denied by two late penalties – indiscipline – last weekend however this Friday’s encounter will be a game tipped in CH’s favour.

The ever present Lee Keegal will be missed due to a suspension. However, Samuel Maduwantha will seek to brush up with his execution and if he does so, we are sure to see points off his boot.

The visitors will be the favourites coming into this encounter but if Police have a chance to secure a win, with momentum at their back, this is a prime opportunity

WATCH LIVE – Police SC vs CH & FC – Dialog Rugby League 2017/18 Match #17

The home team will be aiming for a much better performance as they seek to better their performance from last week as they meet an incapacitated Air Force outfit.

Navy did not have it all their way but the home team will be surely looking for a much better performance from the likes of Thilina Weerasinghe and Co. However, Dulanjana’s presence is significant for the Sailors.

For Air Force, yet again it will be a tough task as they seek to topple the Sailors’ ship in their own backyard. If they are to do so, the likes of Iddamalgoda, Praveen and Seneviratnes’ will have to make a massive impact in the game.

Navy are the favourites coming into this encounter but if the Air Force lads decide to turn up, we could be in for an exciting game at Welisara.

WATCH LIVE – Navy SC v Air Force SC – Dialog Rugby League 2017/18 Match #18

After a shocking result at the hands of Army, this game will be yet another mountain to climb for the home side as they meet a Kandy outfit who are just gearing up for the business end of the tournament.

Nothing seems to be going CR’s way and their coach will be under immense pressure to secure a win if he’s to keep his job. Tarinda Ratwatta, Kavindu de Costa and co. were non-existent last weekend and if they are to get anything away from this match, their whole team will need to put their hands up.

The return of captain Kavindu Perera will be a timely boost for the Reds as they lacked leadership when he was away.

For Kandy, its a matter of who and not where as most of their players are able to fit-in in many positions. Last week Nigel Ratwatta started at fullback however with the resources available, it should be another win for Kandy down in Colombo.

Kandy are firm favourites to secure their 5th win of the season however, if CR are to win, their tactics will have to be on point, so will their execution.

WATCH LIVE – CR & FC v Kandy SC – Dialog Rugby League 2017/18 Match #19

Army’s home away from home will undoubtedly prove testing for an under performing Havies outfit.

Army surprised a few with two wins against teams that were tipped to beat them and their confidence will be sky high following the victories. Gayan Salinda and last weeks man of the match, Ashan Bandara control the Soldiers game with ease and they will be looked up to for similar performances’ as the season goes by.

For the Pink Jersey’s, Dulaj returned to the no.10 jersey with a couple of tries last week but his distribution skills were not upto mark. He will surely look to work on that if he is to guide his team through the test of Army.

If recent form is anything to go by, a surprise seems to be on the cards but for Havies and their title hopes, a win is a must.

WATCH LIVE – Army SC v Havelock SC – Dialog Rugby League 2017/18 Match #20