Kandy-Air Force return clash -no room for complacency

Afew seasons ago, the Air Force were not taken all that seriously and matches against them provided the leading clubs opportunities to try out a few things and test a few personnel. But that stunning win over the champions has led to a rethink and today’s Air Force players can hold their heads high and compete with the best of teams on an even footing almost.

The Air Force will have no illusions about the game at Nittawela against Kandy SC. For one thing, the memory of that sensational win has been almost obliterated by Kandy’s run of success. For another, the Nittawela venue is one where Kandy seldom loses. Thus it is pertinent to ask if the Airmen will only be tilting at windmills when they confront each other today. It would do well to remember that in the space of the last few clubs, two top-four clubs tried conclusions with Roshan Weeraratne’s side and came away with egg on their faces (conced- ing over fifty points).

If Charith Seneviratne, who has been the Air Force’s chief asset, continues on the infused list, their chances are bound to plummet. The infusion of ‘Royal Blood’, in the shape of Ashok Vijaykumar and another, may not quite make up for that loss. Skipper Gayantha Iddamalgoda, a hands on player, has shown pleasing form. If Nuwan Perera is to play at No.10, the skipper could fit into the centre berth vacated by Seneviratne.

In the back division, players such as Soorya Krishan, Ishara Madushan and Kaushal Manuppriya have the ability to hurt the Kandy defense however strong it is. In the pack, the Medagedera brothers, Saraka Werella and Thilina Bandara take top billing. Unlike the Army team which processes a fiery rampaging pack but little talent among the outsides, the Air Force is a better all round side. With their short, snappy posses and general aggression, the Airmen, it can be claimed, are more skilled among the outsides rather than in the pack.

Over the last couple of weeks, Air Force came from behind to pip a Police team that has underachieved badly. Last week’s performance against the Havies was more heart-warming. They held the table-leaders to a 17-all score at halftime, but finally succumbed 29-37. A look at their results indicates that, more often than not, they scored over 20 points. Sometimes even in defeat!

Kandy’s adoring fans will look upon their poor second half performance against the law-enforcers as a mere blip on the radar. More pointedly, they will recall some dazzling performances in the past few weeks. Even against the Police, the Kandy outsides ran riot and helped the team to a 31-8 lead at the break. Then, unaccountably, they sat on that lead.

There is no danger of that happening again. For one thing, “King Richard” is bound to return to the team. For another, title-hopes demand that they continue to win and, win big. There is also that little matter of getting their own back on the Air Force who set the cat among the pigeons the last time they met.

The formidable back row of Suhiru Anthony, Shehan Pathirana and Buwaneka Udangamuwe takes a lot of stopping. Poe it in defense or in attack, they are very much in the picture. Others such as the Dissanaikes, Yakoub Ali and Dimitri Wijetunga lend their weight to make the pack a fierce, fighting unit.

It is the back four of Richard Dharmapala, Gayan Weeraratne, Danushka Ranjan and Vishwamithra Jayasinghe that holds the spectators in thrall. What a treat it is to see them operating at speed, and with maximum effectiveness.

Kandy has more than one ace in the pack. Fullback Tilina Wijesinghe has performed at a very high level. Quite apart from the accuracy of his conversions, Wijesinghe is always eager to test the defense with those up and unders and his runs down the centre.

One swallow does not make a summer. Kandy fans will also say that lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place. Odds are on a Kandy win, but you under estimate the Air Force at your own peril.