Kandy to continue winning streak

Unbeaten Kandy SC will be up against a demotivated CH and FC outfit at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium tomorrow (9). Kick-off is scheduled at 4pm.

Kandy after their magnificent win over the Red Shirts, well supported by their forwards last weekend are expected to pull this off as well. On form and fitness, the Up Country outfit are faster than their opponents whose major worry is the fitness of their players although they hold some big names.

CH and FC who have been beaten in no less than three games will be out of league contention if they lose this one as well. They have some big names such as Yoshitha Rajapakse, Sudahrshana Muthuthanthri, Hirantha Perera, Lee Keagle, Niroshan Perera, Sudam Sooriyarachchi and Samuel Maduwantha who as a unit are yet to click, but it could be too late now conceding three vital games in the first round. Local boy, Samuel Maduwantha’s kicking will be very important in order to put pressure on the home team. He has been in good form in certain matches but losing out on consistency is a big worry for their head Coach, Ronnny Ibrahim.

Meanwhile Kandy led by Richard Dharmapala supported by Dhanushka Ranjan, Roshan Weeraratne, Heshan Kalhara, Shehan Pathirana, Sayuru Anthony, Buwanaka Udangamuwa and Yakoob Ali all look in peak form. Their full back, Thilina Wijesinghe is in good kicking form this season. He is safe in his position giving much needed territorial advantage for Kandy and putting the pressure on visiting teams.

Kandy will be without Sooriyabandara, Gayan and Wilwara. In form Kandy should win this encounter and continue their unbeaten run in the league.

Referees should be mindful of injuries and not allow unfit players to be on the field due to injuries sustained during the game. Coaching staff will always want to win but it should not be at the risk of players. Both the Match Doctor and referees will need to play an active role to avoid these incidents supported by the Match Commissioner. REFEREE: Praneeth

Weeranga