BY SHAMZEER JALEEL

Kandy ran riot when they outplayed CR & FC by 45 points (seven tries, five conversions) to 26 points (three tries, two conversions, one penalty try) in their Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) conducted Inter Club rugby encounter which concluded at Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday.

At the short breather, Kandy led 33-12.

The game was played at lightning pace, with Kandy’s three quarters dominating proceedings. It was Buddima Piyarathna’s day, who had the game of his life when he not only touched down four times but also excelled in his defence. He was well supported by Tharinda Ratwatte, Srinath Sooriyabandara, and Jason Dissanayake, who had grand outings for the champion side.

Through a sweeping three-quarter move, Kandy drew first blood in the fourth minute of the game when Piyarathna touched down. Ratwatte added the extras. CR scored their first try through a forwards rush where Thisila Karunathilake touched down. 

Kandy scored two quick tries through Piyarathna and Ratwatte to take the score to 19-5. Ratwatte scored and converted a try on the verge of half-time. CR reduced the gap through Imalka Ariyapala’s try and Doray’s conversion. But in the next minute, Piyarathna ran circles around the CR defence, covering more than 75 metres to touch down.

After the breather, both sides played an error-ridden game, with a significant drop in pace. Kandy’s second-half tries were scored by Dissanayake and Piyarathne. One of them was converted by Ratwatte, who contributed 20 points in the game. 

For the Red Shirts, their second-half try was scored by their hooker, Supun Warunakulasuriya, with Navindu Madushan adding the extras. The last CR try was a penalty try for the repeated errors committed by the Up Country outfit.

Kandy, who continued their unbeaten run, will meet the Havies at home in their next blockbuster encounter.

Referee: Aaqil Jamaldeen