By Shamseer Jaleel
Navy hold the edge
Navy Sports Club will be on a better footing when they lock horns with the Havies outfit today, in the first semi-final which will be worked off at the Racecourse rugby grounds. Kick-off is scheduled at 4 pm.
Navy, playing some top class rugby this season, ended on number 2 in the league and won their quarter final against the Cops. Though off-colour, the Sailors did not put in their best effort, probably saving their energy for this Havies dating. Thilina Weerasinghe, the former Isipathana player and place kicker, is being outstanding this season. His kicking abilities in the 50 meter range, drop goals and kick to touch gaining territorial advantage is just a normal way of playing for him. He was well supported by Dulanjana Wijesinghe, Musheen Faleel and Mohamed Abzal. Both Faleel and Abzal crossed over from the Cops and have made their mark for the Welisara outfit.
Havies, being inconsistent this season, have let their supporters down, but this game will be a do or die for the Park Club. Martis, their Head Coach, is one of the best in the local rugby arena. Sharo Fernando, Nishon Perera, Dabare, Madushanka and Hirantha Perera will be their stars to look forward to in this outing. They will miss out on Dulaj Perera and Kevin Dixon, both out with injuries. On form Sailors hold a slight edge over the Park Club but it could be anyone’s game.
Referee: Less Cash (England)
Kandy should be through
Defending league and Clifford Cup champions, Kandy Sports Club, will be firm favourites when they lock horns with the Red Shirts on 21 February in the second semi-final at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium at Pallekelle.
Kick-off is scheduled at 4 pm.
Kandy, to date remaining unbeaten this season, are forced with some injuries to few of their senior players still got ample replacement on the bench. Wilwara, Udangamuwa, Anthony and Jason all will be out with injuries. Fazil, Ranjan, Dharmapala, Thilina and Vishwamithra at their top of the game will be difficult customers to stop. Thilina Wijesinghe and Nigel Ratwatte kicks will be important. For the Red Shirts, Shashan Mohamed, Tharinda Ratwatte and Omalka Gunaratne along with skipper Kavindu Perera are game changers. Still taking on form, Kandy should book their berth for next Sundays final at Racecourse.
Referee: Sam Jones (Australia)
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