Defending champs Navy suffer a big blow after Havelocks defeat, Soldiers seems lacking leadership and more worries with Fijians ready to leave the island.
Kandy 27 – 27 CR & FC
Richard Darmapala had the first start of the season at center combining with Koto Pongi. What a start he had with the first try getting a ball from the veteran Fazil Marija. Marija on the other hand probably played the match of the season as his running game was so menacing to CR.
CR defense was trying to take on Pongi in the first scrum but Marija out foxed the opposite 10 & 12 as they went charging Pongi.
Arul Kumar of CR was excellent in defense and attack. His work load was immense for the Reds. 17 – 03 lead for Kandy in the half time, made them relaxed and over confident. CR never gave up and Rahul De Silva just scooped the ball from Roshan Weerarathne and dived in for the try. Kandy forwards were outdone by the Reds as they showed more aggression.
Pongi’s fitness is only good enough for 40 minutes. He was so threatening with the ball in hand on the attack. Defensively Pongi is strong but can be easily beaten by the likes of Robbie Malneek or Kanchana Ramanayaka with their fast footwork which was also witnessed. Christopher Cloete the highest try scorer thus far played 80 minutes. Perhaps Johan Taylor should have tried the new signing Marcel Groenwald who was sat in the bench for the last quarter.
Marija’s thinking and awareness as he spotted no man behind Robbie Malneek after the CR full back was involved in the ruck with Oscar Ouma.
Talking Points: Marija’s brilliance – Richard back with Kandy – Malneek+Kumara show for Reds
Navy 10 – 18 Havelocks
Defending champions lost the spark on the field despite the off-field drama. Chanaka Chandimal probably had his worst start, although he inspired all previous occasions. Unfortunately it was not his day as he was replaced in second quarter by Leonard De Zilva and opted Rizah Mubarak to play at 10 and Nuwan Hettiarachi to take his usual spot at full back.
With Suranga Pushpakumara and Srinath Sooriyabandara out with injuries, little Richi Darmapala got the first start. However, Richi also went wavered in providing some quick and accurate balls due to his inexperience. Navy’s forwards did not play to their strength in other words Havies young brigade outplayed them.
Shehan ‘lema’ Pathirana out with a knee injury Havies had a huge disadvantage in the lineouts. Muthuthantri however, covering Lema’s place in the lineout had an exceptional game and also he marshaled his troops well. Havies defence was strong as oak as they did not panic and lose the defensive strategy at all.
Williami Tahitua and Danushka Ranjan combo has drastically improved in the center field. Dulaj Perera was cool as a cucumber controlled the game sweetly and also scored his 100th point in the season with a conversion and two penalties. Rizah Mubarak was the highest points scorer until then but his 30 points against Sharks was in vain after they withdrew.
Navy lost the leadership and they lacked communication in the entire game. Also the body language did not provide enough spark. After this loss the title is now pretty much in favor of Kandy. Havelocks only 2 points behind with 48pts to Kandy’s 50pts.
Talking Points: Havies defensive structure – Navy’s title hopes – Lema out for the season
Army 24 v 12 Air Force
After the skipper was asked to stay out the Soldiers looked speechless on the field. It was apparent only the coach Mothilal Jayathilake’s voice comes loud from the bench. Army led at half time with the bonus point as the scores stood 24 – 08. But the second half was something to consider for remainder of the game. It’s a win for the airmen in the second half despite a poor defense and so many infringements in the first half.
Sanivalati Ramuwai was everywhere on the field without his presence on Friday Army would have found it difficult to win. Unfortunately, Pio Tuwai & Co will not be in action for the Soldiers anymore as it is not possible to bear the cost of them. Ramuwai might also join Pio Tuwai but it is still not confirmed. Army’s discipline was not good as they nearly conceded 20 penalties which is way too much.
Air Force took time to settle and adjust to the conditions. Nuwan Perera did not have his usual kicking boots as he missed few kicks. Airmen looks like the wooden spoon after CH & Sharks pulled out. The remaining four matches will be tough for the Airmen as they take on Navy-Kandy-Police and CR in the coming weeks.
Talking Points: Air Force second half win – Army conceding too many penalties – Ramuwai’s one man show
