CR & FC defeated Kandy Sports Club 26 (4T 3C) – 38 (6T 4C) in their own den after a lapse of 22 years, as the Reds managed to move to the top of the pile on the Nippon Rugby League 2023/24 table.
Both sides locked horns with the ultimate prize on the line on a sunny but cool evening at Nittawela, Kandy.
The evening turned sweeter for the visitors as they managed an opening try through Manilka Ruberu, 11 seconds into the encounter. Right away from the kick off, Ruberu pounced on the loose ball as he dived over, silencing the home faithful.
Thenuka Nanayakkara added the extras as he made sure it was a perfect 7-pointer.
Proceedings settled down as Kandy were continuously knocking on the CR door. Kavindu De Costa saw yellow for a brain-fade ruck clearance as he saw yellow, handing Kandy a glimpse into the game.
Tharinda Ratwatta scored soon after CR were restored to 15 men, as the Centre ran an unstoppable short line to dive under the post. The man himself added the extras as the game was level until the half hour mark. (Kandy 07-05 CR)
CR scored 3 further tries as the hosts were found wanting, unable to finish off. Adeesha Weerathunga scored the first of the three tries. Kavindu De Costa scored a sensational individual try which changed the complexion of the game.
After the hooter, Gemunu Chethiya scored as CR declined a kickable 3 points to put CR in the driving seat.
Thenuka Nanayakkara added the extras as the visitors were well and truly clear ahead at lemons.
Half Time: Kandy SC 7 (1T 1C) trail CR & FC 26 (4T 3C)
Kandy knew about the task at hand and started off the second half on a role, scoring twice through Tharindu Chathuranga and Nigel Ratwatta.
These two tries spurred on the host and the fans as momentum swung the way of the home side. This momentum swing put the visitors under immense pressure. However, the Reds gathered together as a team and locked down their defense, keeping Kandy at bay after conceding twice early on. (Kandy 21-26 CR)
Adeesha was impressive in both the open and the tight play as he made a steal at a 5m line out, sending waves through the Kandy attack and faithful.
Moments later, CR went coast to coast as Adeesha scored his second of the game to secure things and sucker punch Kandy.
Moments later, Kushan Tharindu added the gloss on the CR win marking their first victory at Nittawela after 22 years. Dinal Ekanayake added a consolation try after the hooter, as the game ended in favor of CR.
Full Time: Kandy SC 26 (4T 3C) lost to CR & FC 38 (6T 4C)
Black Knight Player of the Match: Adeesha Weerathunga (CR No. 6)
Points Breakdown:
Kandy: Tarinda Ratwatta 1T 3C, Nigel Ratwatta 1T, Tharindu Chathuranga 1T, Dinal Ekanayake 1T
CR & FC: Manilka Ruberu 1T, Adeesha Weerathunga 2T, Kavindu De Costa 1T, Gemunu Chethiya 1T, Kushan Tharindu 1T, Thenuka Nanayakkara 4C
 – 38 (6T 4C) in their own den after a lapse of 22 years, as the Reds managed to move to the top of the pile on the Nippon Rugby League 2023/24 table.){kind=link}