Havies could invade CR party

By Shamseer Jaleel

Azmir Fajudeen	Lasindu Karunathilaka

League champions, CR and FC will host their traditional rivals Havelock Sports Club in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the domestic rugby season when the two Colombo giants clash in the Clifford Cup final at Longden Place today under lights with kick off at 6 pm according to organisers.

The encounter is expected to show rugby at its very best, with both teams enjoying impressive runs leading into the knockout final. With history, pride and silverware on the line, supporters can expect a fiercely contested battle between two evenly matched outfits.

CR and FC head into the final with strong momentum after a magnificent season. The Red Shirts recorded 10 wins out of their 12 league matches and have continued their form in the knockout competition with commanding performances.

Their Clifford Cup campaign had them defeat Navy Sports Club 29–15 in the quarter-final before overcoming the tournament’s dark horse Air Force Sports Club 29–22 in a hard-fought semi-final.

CR skipper Lasindu Karunathilake has been outstanding throughout the season, leading from the front with tireless work in both attack and defence. His commitment and leadership have been key factors behind the CR’s consistency this year but at times his emotions have over taken his playing. 

The experienced Mursheed Doray has also played a vital role with his intelligent game management. His tactical kicking and ability to gain territory have often placed CR in commanding positions during crucial stages of matches while Venura Kodagoda too played his part big time among the crack forwards.

Another major strength for the Longden Place outfit has been the accuracy of former St. Peter’s College fly-half Thenuka Nanayakkara whose reliable goal kicking has frequently proved the difference between victory and defeat. 

CR last won the knock-out final in 2023 beating Navy SC 19/18 in a championship Kandy SC did not participate.

Under the guidance of head coach Dushanth Lewke CR have developed into a well-balanced side capable of playing both structured and expansive rugby. With the league title already secured, they will now aim to complete a memorable double by lifting the Clifford Cup before Lewke departs with his family to Middle East next month.

However, Havelock Sports Club will arrive full of confidence and determination. Led by Janidu Fernando, the Park Club outfit possesses one of the most formidable forward packs in the competition.

The presence of powerful forwards Abdullah Faiz and Azmir Fajudeen has been a major advantage for Havies, often allowing them to dominate the physical exchanges and turn matches in their favour. Without any doubt these two players have been the best set of forwards in the club circuit this year.

Their dramatic 41–38 semi-final victory over defending champions Kandy Sports Club demonstrated their never-give-up qualities after trailing 12–28 at halftime. Fajudeen’s entry late in the first half proved pivotal as Havies stormed back to score 29 points in the second half. 

Havies last won the knock-out final beating Air Force in 2019. Speedsters Chatura Dilshan and Jayathu Rajarathna add further attacking power, while Samuel Maduwantha’s kicking battle with Thenuka Nanayakkara could prove decisive. Coached by the cool Saliya Kumara who never puts his players under pressure the Park Club will be aiming for the Cup which has eluded them for the past six years.

Ibuki Tetsuka from Japan will referee the encounter.