Nippon Paint Major Inter Club Rugby League 2023/24Unimpressive win for Kandy

Tharinda Ratwatte (Kandy SC) about to send out a pass to skipper Lavanga Perera during their game against CH & FC

By Shamseer Jaleel at Nittawela

Defending League champions, Kandy Sports Club kicked off the Nippon Paint Major Inter Club Rugby League 2023/2024 season with an unimpressive 22 points (four tries, one conversion) to 13 points (one try, one conversion, two penalties) win over CH and FC at Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

At the short break, Kandy led 17-3.

The game never reached the level expected by the spectators, as it was an error-filled game, with CH making most of the handling errors. Kandy, during the first half, managed to score three unanswered tries. CH looked slow in their line movement, although later in the second half, they looked a yard faster in their approach.

Kandy, on their part, played well in patches, with their second rower, Thilina Bandara, being outstanding both in defence and attack. Kandy lost Nigel Ratwatte early in the second half for a high tackle and a yellow card. CH took maximum advantage of the extra man, as they scored their only try and put over a penalty, coming closer to earning a bonus point. But they too made mistakes at vital moments and lost full-back Hirusha Sampath in the last 10 minutes of the game, which was a major blow for them.

Kandy drew first blood in the 10th minute of the game through Thilina; Tharinda Ratwatte missed the conversion. Fifteen minutes later, former Kingswoodian Hirusha was on target for CH with a penalty kick after missing one early in the game. Kandy attacked several times and scored far left through scrum-half Heshan Jensen. Tharinda made a difficult conversion to take the lead 12-3. On the stroke of half-time, Thilina touched down for his second try.

After the turnaround, Kandy scored their fourth try through Nigel, which ensured a bonus point. Tharinda once again missed the conversion. Kandy losing Nigel for a yellow gave space for CH skipper Avantha Lee to touch down, which Hirusha converted. He put over another penalty minutes later, but in the end, CH ran out of time.

Referee: Priyantha Gunaratne
Kandy SC: 22 points
CH and FC: 13 points