Police v CR & FC 12.12.2015 KO: 4.00pm Police Park
After a disappointing finish last week against Kandy with a 13 – 50 defeat, the cops have now moved in to the 6th position of the points table. Sharo Fernando might be suspended for two weeks due to the red card last week. Although the Cops had the best buy out of the transfers, they are still unable to produce to potential. After spending a few weeks training with the Police, Niroshan Fernando will be returning to Havelock’s which will be a loss for the Cops. Also winger Chamara Dabare’s place is under scrutiny due to performances.
CR&FC on the other hand struggles with few a few injuries. Arun Kumar who played as a hooker might go back to the scrum to do his duty at No8. Costa brothers may start in the half back combination while Kavindu Perera will shift to the wing. Reds did not have a convincing win in week 3 although they beat arch rivals CH&FC by 45 – 07 where they conceded the first try for the underdogs CH.
Rizah Mubarak would most probably start at his usual position in full back with Mohamed Sheriff at 10. Mushin Faleel has been outstanding with his defense thus far in the season. It will be an interesting clash between him and Kanchana Ramanayaka of CR. Police No8 Bilal Hassen was the other standout player in the league as he has already scored 6 tries in games.
Players to watch out for : Sudam Sooriarachchi (Scrum half) Police / Kavindu De Costa (Scrum half) CR&FC
: Mushin Faleel (Center) Police / Kanchana Ramanayake (Center) CR&FC
Score Predictions : CR win by 2
CH&FC v Navy 12.12.2015 KO: 4.00pm Race Course
Last minute decision making cost the Sailors a chance to draw against the Havies in week 3. Navy also had the shocking one point defeat in week two over Army. This Saturday will perhaps give them the opportunity to build more mental strength in the event they win against CH with a massive lead. However, CH&FC has shown some tiny improvements in comparision to week one. They scored their first try of the season courtesy of Danuka Rathnayaka. CH Skipper Mohamed Rifkhan made some fine turnovers against CR but it was not enough for the one time giants.
Chanaka Chandimal, Lee Keegal and Dinusha Chathuranga will be eager to run to the white wash as much as they can. CH defense will be tested big time but Eranga Weerakkody missing penalties at the uprights needs to be sorted first and foremost.
Players to watch out for: Mohamed Rifkhan (Flanker) CH&FC / Sathya Ranathunga (Prop/lock) Navy
Score Predictions : Navy win 30+
Kandy v Army 13.12.2015 KO: 4.00pm Nittawela
Defending champions Kandy is in a red hot form after hammering three half centuries in a row. Forwards and the backs have showed some entertaining skills. Kandy played without Srinath Sooriyabandara, Shehan Pathirana and Anurudda Wilwara last week and it seems like they don’t need them as they have enough strength in their tank. Fazli Marija’s hat-trick and the calmness should be applauded despite Kandy being involved in some naughties resulting in red and yellow cards, last week. Damith Dissanayaka, Piumala Manchanayaka are in a top notch form.
Soldiers on the other hand produced some enterprising form, but this weekend they will have a gigantic task to stop the Kandy express. Ashoka Jayalal has marshalled his troops to play with their hearts. Gayan Salinda could be the next Tuskers full back, he is the highest point’s scorer at the end of round 2. It will be an interesting clash to watch between him and Nigel Ratwatte.
Army has been the best defensive side so far, there was a question raised on their fitness and playing 80minutes rugby in the first week. However, it seems they have done their homework.
Players to watch out for : Kishore Jehan (prop) Kandy / Ashoka Jayalal (Prop) Army
: Imanka Ariyapala (Center) Army / Lavanga Perera (Wing) Kandy
Score predictions : Kandy win by 20
Havelock v Air Force 13.12.2015 KO: 6.30pm Havelock Park
The hosts will be the favourites once again to keep their unbeaten tag but they have a few injury concerns of some players. Coach Laga will have to fill the bench with some of the up and running players in the squad. Havelock’s had a poor game against Navy last week despite the win. They might think ‘luckily it’s Air Force this week’ but it will not be an easy game for the men in Pink. Although the Airmen haven’t been able to record a win this season thus far, last week they started to play some running rugby and that would perhaps give them some momentum in to this game.
Players to watch out for: Sandun Herath (Wing) Havelock’s / Nuwan Perera (Fly half) Air Force
Score Predictions : Havelock’s win by 8
