The SLR Nippon Paint Inter-Club Rugby Tournament match between Kandy Sports Club and Police Sports Club will take place at the Nittawela Stadium in Kandy on Sunday. Kandy SC, the defending league champions, have had a successful start to the tournament, winning their previous two games against CH and FC and Army SC. They have also earned bonus points in both matches.
However, Kandy SC is currently facing injury concerns, with experienced players Praveen Charles and Lasith Attanagoda expected to return to the team in a month’s time. This setback has put the team under immense pressure, but the young players have performed admirably, especially in matching the speed of their opponents’ three-quarter line.
Dilshad Fareed and Thilina Bandara have particularly stood out with their exceptional performances in the last two games. The team’s three-quarter line, consisting of Nigel Ratwatte, Diluksha Dange, Dinal Ekanayake, Lavanga Perera, Tharinda Ratwatte, and Srinath Sooriyabandara, is truly outstanding.
Unfortunately, Kavindu Perera is still recovering from an injury and will not be able to participate in the upcoming fixtures. On the other hand, Police SC, led by Mohan Wimalaratne, have had mixed results this season, losing to CR and FC but defeating Navy SC in their opening match.
Police SC has strengthened their team by signing Hirantha Perera and Mithun Hapugoda, who are expected to make a significant impact. The team, which was dominant in local rugby during the 1980s and 1990s, is coached by former Kingswoodian and national player Nilfer Ibrahim.
