Havies end Kandy SC’s dominance

Kandy SC’s Akash Madushanka powers his way for a try (Pic: Shane Seneviratne)

By Shamseer Jaleel

The second semi-final of the Clifford Cup produced a breathtaking spectacle as Havelocks edged out the defending knock-out champions Kandy SC to a 41 points (6 tries, 4 conversions, 1 drop goal) to 38 (5 tries, 5 conversions, 1 penalty) win in a pulsating encounter at Nittawela last evening.

At the short breather it was Kandy who led 28/12. Havies will now meet their traditional rivals CR and FC in the Clifford Cup final on March 7 at Longdon Place.

Kandy SC’s Dinal Ekanayake and Kavindu Perera looked threatening on attack while Akash Madushanka looked rock solid in defence in the initial half. For Havies Abdullah Faiz and Musheen Faleel stood out. 

In the second half it was a totally different game with their hooker and experienced Azmir Fajudeen taking the field late in the first half along with Mohamed Rifan. They scored 29 points while Kandy could reply with only 10 points.

Havies drew first blood in the fifth minute when nippy scrum half, Mohamed Rifan touched down. Nabeel Yehya converted but Kandy hit back immediately through their centre Akash Madushanka and Aruna Perera converted.  

Fifteen minutes later Thilina Bandara broke free to touch down and Aruna Perera added the extras for Kandy.

A move by Dinal Ekanayake ended in a try for Kavindu Perera and then it was time for one more try through a forwards rush for Malitha Wijesundera to score.

Havies touched down for their second try through Vunaki Waqanibau and Samuel Maduwantha added the extras.

After the turn around Havies scored through Udesh Madushanka, Nisal Silva, Amituanai Visesio and Azmir Fajudeen. 

Maduwantha added two kicks successfully and put over the one last drop-goal to seal the game in favour of Havies.

For Kandy their second half try was scored by Akash Madushanka. Aruna Perera converted all five tries and also put over a penalty.