Havies grind past gallant Police to clinch Cup segment berth

Havelock SC’s Chathura Dilshan being halted by a Police SC player
(Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana)

By Shamseer Jaleel

Havelock Sports Club pulled off a hard-fought 29 points (5 tries, 2 conversions) to 17 points (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) victory over Police Sports Club in their Inter-Club Rugby League first-round encounter concluded at Police Park last evening, sealing a much-needed berth in the Cup segment of the Super Round. Meanwhile, Police Sports Club will play in the Plate segment in the Super Round.

Pre-match expectations suggested a comfortable outing for Havies, yet Police produced a spirited first-half performance that caught their opponents off guard. Playing with confidence and urgency, the home side took advantage of early opportunities and went into the short breather with a deserved 17-12 lead, leaving the visitors with plenty to ponder.

The turning point of the contest came after the interval, when Havies tightened their structures and asserted their dominance up front. Their forward pack took control of the contact areas and breakdowns, gradually wearing down the Police defence and swinging momentum decisively in favour of the Park Club.

The relentless work rate of the Havies forwards proved decisive, as they consistently won collisions and generated quick balls. This platform allowed Havies to build sustained pressure, eventually converting territory into points during a commanding second-half display. Their forwards, Abdullah Faiz, Azmir Fajudeen and number 8, Chatura Dilshan, were omnipresent. Mohamed Rifan also played well, but at times he was overconfident and lost the ball to the opposition side by knocking it on.

Despite the win, Havies will have concerns over their goal-kicking, as several straightforward chances went astray by Samuel Maduwantha, denying them a more comfortable margin.  He missed two conversions plus an equal number of penalty kicks, which cost them a minimum of 10 points. Nevertheless, their ability to grind out results under pressure will please the coaching staff as they head into the Super Round. Police can take heart from a courageous showing, particularly in the first half. Their attacking intent and defensive commitment troubled Havies repeatedly, but an inability to finish off promising movements ultimately proved costly. Their Fijian, Kaliova Mocetadra, had an outstanding game both in defence as well as in attack.

Tries for Havies were scored by Harusha Perera, Udara Lakshan, Fajudeen, Faiz and Sachintha Waidyanatha and Maduwantha added two conversions. Police scored their two tries through Mocetadra, while Prince Chamara added the two kicks at goal and a solitary penalty. Referee Jeewaka Fonseka controlled proceedings.

With this win, CR, Kandy, CH and Havies will book their Cup segment in round 2, while Air Force, Police, Army and Navy or Sri Lions will play in the Plate segment.