Defending champions Navy still top the table after beating CR&FC convincingly, but Kandy beating Army makes only a point different in the second spot with an extra game in hand.
Kandy 37 – 10 Army
When these two teams met in the first round at the Race Course grounds, Army had a brilliant comeback win which created the Dialog Rugby League season to be more intense. After the defeat Sean Wijesinghe’s men have played the flawless rugby Kandy is known for. Last Sunday the game was taken into too many stoppages. Penalties + free kicks count was 30, more than 20 scrums and lineouts.
Kandy pretty much depended on individual talent rather than a collective team effort. Buwanaka Udangamuwa showing his stamina, power & enthusiasm on the field was spectacular. Sri Lankan sevens duo Lavanga Perera & Anurudda Wilwara were also in a great nick bagging a try each. Fazil Marija, showed his class controlling the game brilliantly.
Army’s Mesake Baisangale received his first yellow card for a high tackle as Buwanaka Udangamuwa tripped on Randhika Alwis’ boots and got entangled by the neck in a Baisangale grip. A tad later Baisangale coming from the sin bin received a thumping tackle by Koto Pongi after which Pongi wagged a mocking hand in his face. Baisangale dismissed his hand in a ‘get off my way’ swish which landed like a slap on Pongi’s face. In a dramatic play-act Pongi clutched his face and doubled in pain; the performance which deserved an Oscar nomination brought Baisangale a ‘red’. As Nigel Owens the Welsh referee once said “this is not soccer’
Nevertheless, Kandy with this convincing win are now in a strong position to claim the league unless Havelock’s spoil their party on 7th March. However, whether Kandy win or lose against Havelocks all eyes will be on Navy v Kandy as it is set up to be a grand finale one-way or another.
Navy 63 points – Kandy 62 points – If Kandy beat Havelocks (67 points) with a bonus point it will be 68 points.
Talking Points : Koto ‘Oscar’ Pongi – Udangamuwa future prospect – Army played with 14 men for 60+minutes
CR&FC 20 – 44 Navy
The sailors played as defending champions for the first time in this season without doubt. CR had no clue on how to stop Eramasi Navari and the attacking Naval force. Even after the first Navy try, CR did not have another restart ploy despite kicking to the hand of Navari who made some great yards. Sailors scored the bonus point with four tries by the first half of play.
Srinath Sooriyabandara coming back from injury played a full 80minutes. He was simply outstanding with his passes and his no look pass like in Fiji 7s style was adorable (below video)
The Reds play-maker Robbie Malneek was out injured and was the main problem for the hosts. He made a huge difference against Navy in the first round after coming from the bench and scoring two electrifying tries although CR lost narrowly. Billy Rophia made early errors with two knock-ons and a silly forward pass. Arun Kumar playing No8 in the attacking scrum did not go well for the Reds.
Although it is a perfect win for Navy they still have to work with their forward’s defense. Attacking is pretty good but when you have the Tuskers 1-7 they should not have allowed CR the rolling maul try from the lineout. Conceding too many off-sides Referee Jamaldeen did not show patience and wipped out a record four yellow cards.
First one was on Sharo Fernando for not binding in the scrum or going lose. Sharo Fernando got a red card a fortnight ago when Jamaldeen was refereeing for the first time in this season at Welisara. May be he has been watching Sharo closely. Then Navari was binned and at one time CR played 15 v 13 yet they could not capitalize instead Navy scored a try in this period. Sathya Ranathunga was the next to go to the naughty chair after tackling without arms in the last quarter followed by Leo Naikasau for the offside play.
Talking Points : Navari on fire – Sailors best performance so far – Chaotic CR defense
Air Force 44 – 22 Police
Police did not know what happen to them as they were the favourites but airmen completely outplayed the Cops. Apisai Naqaliva scored two tries within 8minutes of play and the score stood 12-00. Police played with the wind and the hosts played against the strong wind.
Nuwan Perera the Air Force fly half played No 10 to perfection. The left foot kicker scored 20 points with 2 tries 2 conversion and 2 penalties. In the second half he used the wind to make some solid territorial kicks.
Air Force Vilikesa Koilagi and Opeti Delana were on song with the attack as the center duo had a good understanding on what to do and how to score tries. This win is a real morale booster for the airmen despite them finishing bottom and having to take the wooden-spoon title this season after the Sharks and CH&FC withdrawals.
Talking Points : Perera’s 20 points – Koilage & Delana combo – unorganized police defense
