With the completion of a very successful and fiercely fought out Dialog Rugby League coming to an end, rugby fans can look forward to another fascinating two weeks of rugby with the Dialog Clifford Cup knockout tournament being worked off as the splendid race course grounds this week.
The matches will be played on 27th ,28th February and 01st of March 2014. The game between Kandy and Army will be worked off in Nittawela. The semi-finals will be on the 4th & 5th of March and final on the 9th March under lights commencing 6.30pm.
Navy v Air Force
This match should really be a walk in the park for Navy. No doubt the coaches will use the Navy bench to the fullest extent. There are several backs who have not made much contribution and Air Force might feel the wrath of Alisi Tupuailai who has not made the match day 23 in the last three games.
Without foreign players, AF fought bravely, but they certainly won’t be winning this game.
CR v Lions
THe Red Shirts will be hoping that it is third time lucky for them against the same opposition. They got smashed off the park by a 14 man Lions team in Nawalapitiya and surrendered a 17-8 lead to the Lions at home as the visitors scored 22 unanwered points in a last quarter blitz.
The injured Kavindu De Costa is a big loss for the CR side who will be looking to counter the dexterity of Sooriyabandara with some flair of their own at the base. The halves combination of Soori and Ratwatte did the job against CR in the second round with the latter running from very flat and giving his forwards a good platform.
As has been the case in most of their games, CRhave suffered because their foreign recruits have not been upto the relative standard. Aisea Havea should probably start this game with Vaá coming on later against a tired defence. Tavita Taufei was excellent as an impact player for the Lions and it is likely he will be called on again.
This is the most even contest of the quarter final rounds and it is certain to be a massive game on Friday with CR desperate to notch up a win for pride.
Havelocks v Army
The two games between these two teams have not been pretty, and have not been thrashings by any stretch. Army are just one coat of polish away from really competing with the top sides.
Havies smarting from their defeats by Kandy and Navy will want to try and add the Clifford Cup to their trophy cabinet where they failed to defend the league title. Niroshan Fernando should definitely be restored to the starting line up and Devin Jayasinghe’s shoulder subluxation should see Sherriff start at full back.
Rumours abound that Havelocks new foreign recruits are packing some power and we may see a rejuvenated side take the field. In any event it should be a comfortable win for the Havelocks as Army’s quality is unlikely to take them too far at the tail end of the season.
Kandy v Police
This is a game that has the potential to be really interesting. Police’s foreigners are dangerous runners, and they have shown a willingness to get in the face of more fancied teams.
Up in Nittawela though it is difficult to put Kandy off, although Apisaia and Rockobiau may create some havoc in mid field. Kandy are coming off a good performance against Army and should have the confidence and the flair to pull this game off, althouogh Police could prove combative.
Given the fatigue factor, Police may be the fresher team given that Kandy have had a grueling month in the Cup competition whereas Police have had it relatively easier in the Plate, which they won.
It’s difficult to see an upset happening, but Police might just be a little more competitive than expected.
