Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions 2017

Bahrain Rugby Football Club travelled to Sri Lanka knowing that they had no chance of winning the 2017 Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League (ARWCCL).

They did believe, however, that a good performance would give them a boost in their 1st West Asia Premiership Match at home when they host the Abu Dhabi Harlequins – the same team they narrowly lost to in the opening match of the ARWCCL – on Friday 29th of September.

Kandy went into the match knowing that a bonus point win with a 4 points margin would mean they win their 1st ever ARWCCL Trophy in 3 years. This produced a very competitive & close match with the final score being Kandy SC 23 – 24 Bahrain RFC.

Kandy opened the scoring with Thilina Wijesinghe kicking a penalty from the left side of the pitch, before Bahrain responded with a try from Richard Muncaster in the left corner converted by Ivan Philips.Kandy 3 – 7 Bahrain

Man of the match prop Davis Tui scored for Bahrain after picking the ball & diving from close range. Ivan converted the try. Kandy 3 – 14 Bahrain

Kandy hit back immediately after Anurudda Wilwara received a pass inside his own half. He stepped, ran through & bouncing off at least five defenders on his way to the try line before touching down. His Try was converted by Thilina. Kandy 10 – 14 Bahrain

Bahrain kicked a penalty to extend their lead before Kandy scored a drop goal to maintain the 4-point difference (Kandy 13 – 17 Bahrain). However, Bahrain had other ideas before half time & Mark Burnel took full advantage off the dominance the Bahrain forward pack had & scored under the posts for an easy conversion.

Half-time score Kandy 13 – 24 Bahrain.

Soon after half time, Anurudda Wilwara scored his 2nd Try of the match but unfortunately for Kandy the conversion kick bounced off the posts. Kandy 18 – 24 Bahrain

Captain Gayan Weerarathne scored in the corner for Kandy after some excellent offloading & handling from the forwards. The conversion was missed again. Kandy 23 – 24 Bahrain

Bahrain Rugby Football Club held on to win their 1st win in the Asia Rugby Western Clubs Champions League & gathered invaluable momentum & self-belief before they meet the Abu Dhabi Harlequins, whom they have just helped retain their trophy.

www.facebook.com/KandySCofficial Photo Credit: Shafeek Razaak – KSC Official