Second-placed CH and FC will lock horns with third-placed CR and FC in a crucial Cup segment encounter of the inter-club rugby League at the Race Course ground on Sunday with kick-off scheduled for 4 pm.
With the title race finely balanced, the clash is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the championship.
CH and FC enter the contest buoyed by confidence after producing two outstanding performances against defending champions! Kandy Sports Club.
Under the inspirational leadership of Janidu Dilshan, they held Kandy SC to successive draws that underlined their growing belief at the highest level.
Those performances have given CH renewed momentum heading into this encounter. Their ability to absorb pressure and strike back has been a defining feature of their Super Round campaign so far and they could take heart from the fact that they matched Kandy SC, widely regarded as the benchmark side. CH’s strength lies in a well-balanced combination across the park. Skipper Janidu Dilshan has led from the front while the powerful Fijian No. 8 Koli Thamanikalu has been dominant in contact and at the breakdown.
Scrum half, Maliksha Perera and hooker Pulasthi Dassanayake provide punch up front, and fly half Janith Chandimal’s accuracy with the boot has been a major asset, allowing CH to consistently convert pressure into points.
CR and FC, meanwhile, will be keen to regroup after an inconsistent showing against Havelocks where lapses in cohesion proved costly. Despite the setback, the Longden Place outfit remain very much in the title hunt and will view this fixture as an opportunity to reassert their credentials.
Led by playmaker Lasindu Karunathilake and supported by experienced campaigners Mursheed Doray and Chamoth Muthunayake, CR possess the quality to trouble any side on their day. However, doubts over the availability of Omalka Gunaratne and Naveen Marasinghe could test their depth but their reliable Thenuka Nanayakkara returns for this vital encounter.
With both teams eager to stake their claim in the Cup segment, a fiercely contested, high-intensity battle is on the cards.
Japanese referee Meitetsu Shimzu will officiate the match.
