KANDY CLINCH RUGBY DOUBLE

Unbeaten Kandy Sports Club reaffirmed their dominance in Sri Lankan rugby by completing a sensational double for the season, clinching the century-plus-years-old Clifford Cup for a record 23rd time after edging out CR & FC by 41 points (5 tries, 5 conversions, 2 penalties) to 33 points (5 tries, 4 conversions) in a thrilling final in front of a packed house at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium last evening. Kandy ended the season undefeated this season.

- By SHAMSEER JALEELAT NITTAWELA

At the short breather, Kandy led 17-14.

In a game played under challenging wet conditions, including a heavy downpour in the second half, both teams showed immense grit and determination, with the lead changing hands multiple times.

Kandy played their hearts out, settling early, and scored two tries. They were without their star centre, Tarinda Ratwatte. Soori led the outfit with a lot of guts. Kenula Hettiarachchi, Thilina Bandara and Dahan Wickramarachchi were in top form in forwards, while in three-quarter play, Dinal, Nigel Ratwatte, Ranjan, Shaahid Zumri and Kavindu and scrumhalf Heshan Jensen were on top.

Meanwhile for the Reds, Mursheed Doray, Omalka Gunaratne, Sayuru Anthony, Lasindu Karunathilake and Imanka Ariyapala were in peak form.