Navy v Army 27.11.2015 KO: 4.00pm @Welisara
After a convincing 36 – 08 win over Air Force in week one at Welisara, the Sailors will host Army this Friday. Navy has youth and experience in their squad. Sajith Saranga did not play in the first game due to some transfer talk, but he is now expected to start against Soldiers. Navy have 11 players in their squad who left school this season and some are in the national under 20 as well. Monsterous No8 Omlaka Gunarathne who started alongside Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Dhanushka Perera last week made a huge impact in his club debut. Lock forward Sathya Ranathunga and Center Kosala Tiseera are in a good form and would look forward to carry on the sparks against Army.
Army on the other hand played remarkably well but only the first half against CR&FC. They led 10 – 06 before they change sides, however, they could not maintain the momentum as they lost 35 – 15 in week one. Nevertheless, there are so many positive things for them to take in to this game although they don’t look favourites. Gayan Salinda was outstanding with his kicking and high ball collection, Ashoka Jayalal the talisman of Army did marshal his troops well but need to improve on their strategy to play for 80minutes.
Players to watch out for:- Chanaka Chandimal (Navy fly half) – Gayan Salinda (Army full back)
Score prediction – Navy to win by 7
CR&FC v Havelock SC 28.11.2015 KO: 4.00pm @CR&FC
(‘Eustace Matheysz Trophy‘)
Both these teams had to work hard for their wins in week 1. They certainly did not play any eye catching rugby. However, this game is expected to be a grudge encounter as both clubs will play for their historic heritage. CR&FC is looking a bit more balanced team in contrast to their counterpart. But Havelock’s forwards displayed a stunning performance against the big named Police SC last week. Dushmantha Priyadarshana the prop played his time like a seven’s player which is pleasing to watch. Full back Rehan Theyagarjah is out due to an elbow injury and it was expected that Niroshan Fernando might replace him, after a scuffle where he was going on to play for the cops this season.
CR on the other hand will be keen to secure two in two, Rochana Hettiarachichi and Mekalanka Promodha playing with great understanding. Although Prince Chamara’s kicking was not 100% he was still looking good and made 15 points last week. It will be interesting to see what sort of a strategy the Reds will adopt on Saturday. They had to move Ashan De Costa from 12 to 10 after Nalin Kumara not really executing plans. Last year’s Trinity captain Tarinda Ratwatte might start in this big game at 10. More than anything it will be interesting to watch how the half backs will play as they have swapped their jersey colours this time around.
Players to watch out for :- Rahul De Silva (Havelock’s scrum half) – Kavindu De Costa (CR&FC scrum half)
Score prediction – CR to win by 2
CH&FC v Police SC 28.11.2015 KO: 4.00pm @Police Park or Race Course
The first week CH&FC struggled against Kandy as they went down 80 – 03 at Nittawela. This week CH is struggling to host their home match, and it seems they might play at the cops den if they cannot get hold of the race Course ground. Police probably had the best buy in the transfer window but failed to deliver up to expectation in the first game. However, this week no matter where they play it would give the much needed time for the cops to gel together as a team according to their game plan. Rizah Mubarak and Sheriff Mohamed are two good kickers for the cops where they put Havies under pressure last week, this weekend perhaps they might not kick a lot but will opt to run.
Players to watch out for :- Bilal Hassen (Police No8) – Rifkhan Siddeak (CH&FC flanker / (C) )
Score prediction – Police to win by 15+
Kandy v Air Force 29.11.2015 KO: 4.00pm @Nittawela
The defending champions certainly will be looking to extend their Points Against (PA) margin after the big win in week 1. It was expected results but it was not the expected handling skills by the big forwards as it looked world class. Tight five and the third row ran more the three quarters especially Kishore Jehan and Damith Dissanayaka was outstanding along with Heshan Kalhara. No big concerns at the moment for the champions, but out of the 14 tries that Kandy scored last week, they managed to sail only 5 through the uprights.
Airmen may be missing the foreign players to give them the extra spark even though they played well without foreigners in a few matches last year. Fly half Nuwan Perera was been the key player last year and also coach Leonard De Zilva will have gigantic task to produce some magic for the airmen.
Players to watch out for :- Nigel Ratwatte (Kandy full back) – Nuwan Perera (AF fly half)
Score prediction – Kandy to win by 25+
