League champions Kandy SC will look to put the finishing touches to another routine victory in their own backyard, as they host CH and FC in what could be a lop-sided Clifford Cup Knockout first semifinal and book their place in Sunday’s (6 April) grand finale at Nittawela, today (1 April).
Srinath Sooriyabandara’s unbeaten team, have been steamrolling their rivals this year, especially in the Mastercard Rugby League Tournament and going into the Knockouts, they are yet to look back, having swatted aside Sri Lions (41-8) in the quarters, at the same venue last week.
On both paper and on form, Kandy SC have been in a totally different league to the rest of the pack this season, with their forwards and backs being like poetry in motion in crossing the whitewash, while leaving their rivals grasping at thin air.
The scores posted by the Nittawela juggernaut in the League Championship, which they won ever so handsomely, is further proof of their ability to size up each opponent and deliver the coup de grace, in no uncertain terms.
With only two more games to conclude a terrific double for the 2024-25 season, Fazil Marija’s men will obviously not want to take their foot off the pedal this afternoon and with confidence at an all-time high, the hosts will take some beating.
Meanwhile, Plate champions CH and FC will be determined to turn tables on the home team, but on form, the visitors will be facing the might of the Cup champions, in what promises to be a one-sided contest, barring the glorious uncertainties of knockout footy.
Unless the men from Maitland Crescent are able to go toe to toe with Kandy for the full 80, the writing seems to be already on the wall for the former, even before kick-off.
CH coached by veteran trainer Sanath Martis, fared decently in the League after being forced to compete in the Plate Segment by lifting the title.
But, tackling the undisputed League champions in their own patch in a do-or-die game, will be a different kettle of fish, as they are set to find out in the first semi.