Week 5 saw Kandy slump to another surprise loss to a rampaging Navy outfit, who retained their unbeaten tag along with the Havies who overcame Army. A resurgent Air Force was made to work hard for their win against CH & FC.
The weekend that lies ahead will see the two unbeaten teams lock horns while either Police or CH & FC will have the opportunity to record their 1st win of this 2016/17 season as they face each other.
Army SC will be seeking a win following a few narrow defeats as they travel to Ratmalana to meet Air Force. Kandy will be hosting CR & FC in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash as the Hill country team look to bounce back from a defeat last weekend.
The Breakdown : Navy beat Kandy in Welisara
CH & FC v Police SC
Date: 10th December 2016
Time: 4pm
Venue: Race Course
This will be the first game of the season where Police travel with the favorites tag but it will not be an easy encounter for the Cops if CH & FC put in a display as the previous week. Police have had a dismal season thus far, despite having a few recognized players in their line-up.
Results 2015/16:
Police 29:17 CH & FC at Police Park.
CH & FC 00:62 Police at CH Grounds.
Players to watch out for:
Vishva Deneth: Playing at fullback, Deneth had a good outing last week. He was in charge of kicking duties and impressed with the boot. Deneth will be looking to better his performance as CH look to register their first win.
Yoshita Rajapaksa: The second of the three brothers, made his debut for CH last week and was the most impressive of the forwards. He will be a man to watch out for this weekend.
Udara Gayan: Prop forward put in a mammoth performance in another losing cause but will be hoping that luck will be on the visitors’ side as they play against winless CH.
Achala Perera: The big man in the centre of the scrum has been good in recent games and will be seeking to carry forward his good form.
Air Force SC vs Army SC
Date: 10th December 2016
Time: 4pm
Venue: Rathmalana
Playing at home, the Airmen will be seeking to register another win and cement their top four spot while Army will be aiming to set the record straight after a couple of single-point and close losses.
WATCH LIVE: Air Force SC v Army SC – Dialog Rugby 16/17
Results 2015/16:
Air Force 16 : 20 Army at Rathmalana.
Army 37 : 25 Air Force at Army Ground.
Players to watch out for:
Lahiru Udayanga: At hooker, he put in a massive shift last week against CH and will be hoping to do the same this weekend as well.
Amila Bandara: Coming off the bench, Bandara was influential for Air Force and even registered a try to his name as he took his team forward. He will be seeking to repeat last week’s feat this weekend.
Dhanushka Talwatta: Playing at centre, Talwatta was influential in the back line, Army will be. Relying on him to make a few breaks in the Air Force defense.
Gayan Salinda: The flyhalf was a pivotal part of the Army team in attack and defense but was unfortunately on the losing side. He will be aiming to get things right this week and register a win.
Kandy SC vs CR & FC
Date: 11th December 2016
Time: 4pm
Venue: Nittawala
Kandy will be desperate to bring down CR & FC following a narrow loss at Welisara last week. CR on the other hand will now know that Kandy are not as invincible as they seem.
Results 2015/16:
Kandy 15 : 12 CR & FC at Nittawala.
CR&FC 16 – 22 Kandy at Race Course.
Players to watch out for:
Dhanushka Ranjan: Also known as ‘Danda’, the centre had a good game in a losing cause but will be hoping to put in a far better performance to help Kandy register a win this weekend.
Dimitri Wijethunga: He put in a massive performance in the forward pack and will be looking to repeat his feat this weekend.
Gayan Jayamanna: Gayan has been in good form this season and will be aiming to carry his form through to the most important game of the season for CR.
Bhanuka Nanayakara: Was not in the starting line-up in the first few games but came back with vigor and has put in a strong performance in the last couple of weeks. He will be eager to repeat his recent performance this weekend in Kandy.
Havelock SC vs Navy SC
Date: 11th December 2016
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Havelock Park
Both teams come into this game unbeaten and this will undoubtedly be the tie of week six. Both teams come in after hard fought wins against Army and Kandy but either Havelocks or NAvy will have to settle for their first loss this weekend.
WATCH LIVE: Havelock SC v Navy SC – Dialog Rugby 16/17
Results 2015/16:
Havelock 20 : Navy 20 at Havelock Park
Havelock 16 : 13 Navy at Welisara
Players to watch out for:
Hirantha Perera: Perera returned following suspension and has been in good touch since. He will be pivotal for Havelocks if they are to have any chance against an in-form Navy.
Sudarshana Muthuthantri: ‘Muthu’ had a good game against Army and will have a huge role to play this weekend if Havelocks are to put up a fight against Navy.
Richie Dharmapala: He returned after a week off and was instrumental in Navy’s massive win against Kandy. He will have to repeat his performance this week to beat Havelocks at their home ground.
Supun Peiris: The 2nd rower was the man of the match last week as he played perhaps the best game of his life. Supun will face a different challenge this week and will be hoping to stand tall and overcome the task at hand.
