Havies unchanged for Police battle

By Harsha Amarasinghe

Havelock Sports Club are expected to field the same side that demolished Navy Sports Club in the opening week of the Dialog Rugby League ahead of their first home game of the season against Police Sports Club at Havelock Park tomorrow (06).

According to Havelock management Rukmal Fernando who scored one of the five Havelock tries last week is set to retain his place in the wing while there is still no sign of former S. Thomas’ captain Naveen Henakankanamage who sensationally crossed over to Havelock Sports Club from CH and FC.

Dinushan Ariyapala and Randy Silva who have formed a new centre combination are set to continue at the heart of Havelock midfield after both the players scored one try each in the opening week.

Charana Chamikara, Zayan Sabar, and Azmir Fajudeen who opened Havies’ account for the ongoing season make up the front row while Ganidu Lakshan and Umesh Madushan have retained their places in the second row.

First choice fly-half Sandesh Jayawickrama will start the game with head coach Sanath Martis having good options in the bench to utilize in the second half.

Police Sports Club on the other hand have made a few changes as Primesh Dhanushka has been handed his first start of the campaign with Suranga Kasun moving into full-back pushing Janith Chanaka to the bench.

Police head coach Asanka Rodrigo has also called up Yohan Pieris to the starting line-up at fly-half in place of Vihanga Pivithuru.

Key-man Emosi Vunivosa remains at centre and the Fijian powerhouse could cause problems to Ariyapala and Silva in what expected to be a very close game between the two backlines.

Havelock pack has been very dominant in the recent past and they have very good players there, but they will be up against a Police pack which has a lot of experience at this level especially with the likes of Rasith Silva, Lahiru Pavithra, Udara Sooriyapperuma and Dhanushka Edirisooriya.

Havelock XV: Charana Chamikara, Azmir Fajudeen, Zayan Sabar, Ganidu Lakshan, Umesh Madushan, Shawqat Lahir, Senal Deelaka, Lasindu Ishan, Mithun Hapugoda and Sandesh Jayawickrama, Asitha Gayashan, Dinushan Ariyapala, Randy Silva, Rukmal Fernando, Prince Chamara

Police XV: Lahiru Pavithra, Rasith Silva, Dhanushka Edirisooriya, Nisal Samadhi, Mohan Wimalarathne, Udara Sooriyapperuma, Vageesha Weerasinghe, Udaya Sanjula, Primesh Dhanushka and Yohan Peiris, Janith Chandimal, Emosi Vunivosa, Iroshan Silva, Sachith Silva, Suranga Kasun