Kandy wake up late to demolish Police

 

Unbeaten league champions, Kandy Sports Club produced a commanding second-half revival to overcome Police Sports Club by 49 points (9 tries, 2 conversions) to 17 points (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) in their Inter-Club League encounter at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday, turning a nervy contest into a decisive statement of intent. 

Trailing 10-17 at the short breather, the champions showed their class after the turnaround, unleashing their potent three-quarter line to run riot and secure a nine-try victory. Police SC stunned the home side early, capitalising on Kandy’s sluggish start and dominating the opening exchanges. Although Kandy drew first blood in the second minute through Dinal Ekanayake and added another unconverted try through Diluksha Dange, Police responded with composure. Prince Chamara slotted a 30-metre penalty before forwards who worked hard, Danushka Edirisuriya and Ashan Darling, crossed for well-worked tries, both converted by Chamara to give the visitors a deserved half-time lead.
The second-half, however, belonged entirely to Kandy. With quicker ball and improved distribution, the hosts transformed their tempo, allowing the backs to exploit space with devastating effect. Dahan Wickramaarachchi ignited the surge before Ekanayake and Dilshan Fareed carved through tiring defenders. The floodgates opened as Kenula Hettiarachchi and Kavindu Perera (2) added polish to a relentless attacking display that Police struggled to contain.
Kandy’s three-quarters were the architects of the comeback, sharp in support, clinical in finishing, and ruthless once momentum swung their way. The contrast between halves underlined the champions’ depth and adaptability, particularly when their backs are given front-foot ball. Forwards who had an ordinary start for the champion outfit improved in the later half with some excellent coordination.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, concerns remain. Hirusha Sampath endured an off day with the boot, missing several kicks at goal, an area that head coach Fazil Marija will be keen to address as tougher tests loom.
Referee: Kelum Sandaruwan
Kandy will look to build on this performance when they host CH & FC on December 21, knowing that while their attacking firepower is formidable, accuracy from the tee could prove decisive in the title run-in.