Navy-CR game evenly poised…

The match between Sri Lanka Navy and CR and FC in the Dialog ‘A’ Division league rugby second round match at Navy grounds today should turn out to be a thriller. The match will start at 4 pm.

Navy who suffered a shock 16-11 defeat at the hands of Police last week at Police Park, are really putting everything in to get a win against CR. They were seen hard at practice this week preparing to pull off a morale-boosting victory.

The CR outfit which registered a runaway victory last week against the formidable Army side by 19 points to 13 at Army grounds in Diyagama will have to play really well to beat Navy on their home grounds at Welisara.

With both these teams equally matched, a close tussle for supremacy can be expected.

In another match today formidable Kandy SC outfit will be hosted by Air Force at Ratmalana. Kick off at 4 pm.

Army-Havies should be a thriller

The confrontation between Havelock SC and Sri Lanka Army in the Dialog ‘A’ Division League Rugby Championship match at Havelock Park on Sunday under lights at 6.30 pm will turn out to be a closely fought out affair.

Havies will miss the services of experienced fly half and national player Dulaj Perera due to an injury and his place will be taken by ex national player Niroshan Fernando who will play as fly half.

Burly lock forward Jason Melder will be in the starting lineup for today’s game allowing former S Thomas College flanker Sudarshana Muthutantri to play in his pet position at number eight. Former CR and FC flanker Sithum Peiris will play as second row forward.

The forte of both teams has been their power-packed forwards.

The Army ‘eight’ led by their captain cum national player Asoka Jayalal, Sameera Wickramanayaka, Dileepa Niroshan, Nalaka Maduranga, veteran Nishantha Kobbekaduwa, Upul Abeynayaka, Chameera Silva and Manoj Silva has to give a terrific display in the loose and secure ball position if they are to pull this game through because the Army lads will be given a torrid time by the Park club forwards.

Gallant Army three quarters led by vice captain Imanka Ariyapala has to rally around his co-three quarter line, if they are to stop the free flowing Havies three quarters led by dashing national player cum centre Danushka Ranjan.

Police will host CH and FC at Police Park in another match today. Kick off 4pm. – (WAI)