After some shocking results in the Dialog Clifford Cup knock-out Police and Kandy came in to the finals which will kick-off tomorrow (Saturday) at Nittawela grounds 4.15 p.m
Police last played in the Clifford cup finals in the year 2002 since then they have not been able to perform up to the standards of the 60’s and 80’s when Police rugby was phenomenal. Kandy on the other hand will be eyeing the double crown and finding their way back to the glory days.
The Route to Final –
Police
Finished 6th in the concluded Dialog Rugby League as a result they had to take on the team finished 3rd which was Havelocks SC. Havies beat Police convincingly both in home and away games in the league. However, Police stunned the Park Club with 34 – 20 victory. In the semifinal Cops played with the Airmen who shocked the defending title holders Navy in the quarter final. Although Air Force outplayed Police in the second round of the league game at Ratmalana, they could not do it twice in the semifinal. Police won 27 – 16 to knockout the Airmen.
Kandy
After winning the league title on points difference Kandy had a worthy bye and they did not play the Quarter final. CR&FC finished 4th and Army SC finished 5th therefore these two teams played the quarter finals and CR beat Soldiers convincingly with 35 – 20. Kandy hosted CR in the semifinal and it was a tough first half as the score stood 7-0, but Kandy had more energy in their camp and finished the game 22 – 07.
Watch out for
Apisai Naqaliva v Oscar Ouma
Apisai scored 15 tries in the concluded league and was in a fine form. His opposite number Oscar Ouma was simply brilliant in the entire season especially against CR two days ago he was the main cause for Kandy win. These two have played sevens for Fiji and Kenya respectively and this will be another ferocious battle between them on Saturday.
Key Player
Kandy – The magician Fazil Marija will be the main man as he brings all his experience and decision making skills. He is more creative than his opposite number Rimzie Jamaldeen. Fazil and Roshan Weerarathne’s combination is ever so good.
Police – Sudam Sooriarachi is having a fantastic club rugby debut so far and he was the main man in the quarter and semifinal. He has vastly improved with his game, and often Apisai coming as a first receiver also encourages him in support play.
X Factor in the forwards
Kandy – Piyumal Manchanayake, decent time in the league and improving day by day and Kandy needs his service for at least a good 60minute.
Police – Radeesha Senavirathne, former CH&FC captain since he joined the Police has been a useful figure in the team . Not hugely built but a running flanker and hard a tackler and very good in turnovers he often comes from the bench and makes an impact.
Missing factor
Kandy – Undoubtedly the best player for Kandy the South African Christopher Cloete. Unfortunately got injured and has to return to his country. He was incredible as a flanker who scored 15 tries in the season.
Police – Eranga Weerakkody was tested in wing, center and fullback position but he did not have satisfying league but he picked up the game with all his talent and expertise and was in form in the last two knockout games. He is out injured and that will worry the Police three quarters.
Probable starting XV
Kandy – Nigel Rathwatte, Lavanga Perera, Oscar Ouma, Richard Dharmapala, Anurudda Wilwara, Fazil Marija, Roshan Weerarathne, Krisho Jehan, Damith Dissanayaka, Piyumal Manchanayaka, gayan Rathnayaka, Sean Wijesinghe ( C ), Marshel Marcel, Sashika Jayawardene, Buwaneka Udangamuwa
Police – Hashan Gomes ( C ), Cload Chanaka, Musheen Faleel, Apisai Naqaliva, Heshan Gunarathne, Rimzie Jamaldeen, Sudam Sooriarachi, Udara Gayan, David Siva, Randeev Silva, Romesh Aacharige, Charles Praveen, Gayan Dilshan, Chanaka Harishchandra, Lekima Tuizaki
