Nigel-less Kandy lock horns with CR in final encounter

The Nippon Inter Club Rugby League 2022/2023 will come to an end Sunday with the blockbuster encounter between defending champions and unbeaten Kandy Sports Club locking horns with CR & FC at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium. 

Kick-off is scheduled at 4 pm.

Kandy SC will be without their star stand-off Nigel Ratwatte, who was cited after the game against Havelock SC last week and had his yellow card changed to red, which means he misses this crucial game. 

His position will be taken over by former Kingswood skipper Asiri Seneviratne. 

Kandy SC are favourites to retain the title, six points clear of CR & FC in the points table on 51 points. 

CR & FC’s chances meanwhile, are extremely slim, not only having to record a bonus point win, but also keeping Kandy to under four tries, in front of what is expected to be a sellout crowd in the Central Hills. 

If Kandy win the title, it will be their eight on the trot. 

Considering the form, it could be a close encounter with Kandy holding a slight edge playing at home at Nittawela.

Kandy SC is coached by Fazil Marija while Dushantha Lewke handles the Red Shirts who are celebrating their Centenary year. 

CR last beat Kandy in 2010.

Ranjit Page Patron and Deputy Chairman of Cargills PLC will be the Chief Guest.

Kandy SC (probable): Malith Wijesundera, Damith Dissanayake (Capt), Praveen Charles, Thilina Bandara, Chatura Soysa, Tharindu Chathuranga, Sanushka Abeywickrema, Fawmy Wajid, Heshan Jensen, Asiri Seneviratne, Dinal Ekanayake, Tharinda Ratwatte, Lavanga Perera, Kavindu Perera and Srinarth Sooriyabandara

CR and FC (from): Dilshan Jayah, Supun Warunakulasuriya, Lahiru Pavithra, Kaveen Vikum, Ashan Darling, Kalindu Kariyavasam, Gayan Dilshan, Suhiru Anthony, Raveen De Silva, Jero Dananjaya, Achitha Radeshan, Kavindu de Costa (Capt), Viduna Amaneth, Kalindu Nandila, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Ruchira Ekanayake, Chathura Seneviratne, Gemnun Chetiya, Yasas Kavindu, Mursheed Doray and Lakshan Muthunayake

Gihan Yatawara will referee with Ishanka Abeykoon and Raveen Alexander serving as assistant referees. 

Kavinda Jayasena will be the match commissioner and Anil Jayasinghe the CMO.  By Shamseer Jaleel