Kandy clinch Clifford Cup again

Published : 11:17 am September 18, 2011 | No comments so far |

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Navy Sports Club had their moments but eventually Kandy Sports Club had all the reasons to celebrate their stunning 17-16 win at the Caltex Clifford Cup knockout rugby final which was played at the Royal College Sports Complex in Colombo on Saturday. The Sailors were close but yet so far as the Centenary Clifford Cup final was witnessed by a mass crowd.

Kandy SC made all their points in the first half through two converted tries and a penalty. Navy, trailed by 3-17 at half time, made a strong comeback and scored from a converted try and three penalties. The fast mowing game saw Kandy SC dominate the first half playing up to their true potential. Kandy fly-half Fazil Marija outstood from the rest for his nippy style of playing as center Gayan Weeraratne, fullback Tharindu Chanaka and scrumhalf Roshan Weeraratne enabled their team to earn territorial advantage.

The victors won possession and were awarded with a penalty which was accurately put through by Roshan Weeraratne. The Sailors leveled the scores by 3-all when fly-half Dev Aanand after missing a drop goal attempt kicked on target a penalty. Winger Mohamed Jabbar dashed past the entire Navy SC defense to touch down for Kandy SC after making quick and gradual three-quarter moves.

Minutes later, just before the half time, Marija overpowered a clearance kick made by Eranda Weerakkody to cross the line to give Kandy SC the second try. Kicker Weeraratne completed with seven points after converting both tries. Navy SC made canny moves spearheaded by No 8 Bilal Hassan but they failed to cross the line until forward Satya Ratnatuga posted a pushover try in the dying moments of the game.

Dev Anand added a total of 11 points including the solitary conversion and two penalties that were taken in the second half.