Mighty Havies blow up CH bubble

It takes two opposing CH players to hold back Havelocks winger Jayathu Rajaratne (Pic: Kusan Pathiraja)

By Shamseer Jaleel

Havelock Sports Club snapped CH and FC’s unbeaten run with a commanding 39 points (6 tries, 3 conversions, 1 penalty) to 5 points (1 try) win in a dominant inter-club A-Division League rugby encounter at Havelock Park last evening.

At the short breather the Park Club led 13/5.

Havies set the tempo with aggressive defence, swift ball movement and clinical finishing that left the visitors struggling to gain any momentum. They asserted early control through strong forward carries and sharp distribution from the halves, repeatedly stretching the CH defensive line. The home team’s forwards had a grand outing once again with Azmir Fajudeen, Udara Lakshan and Udesh Madushanka outstanding in defence as well in attack coordinating with their three-quarter line.

Jayathu Rajaratne, Mohamed Rifan and Yehan Bulathsinghalage had a splendid outing in the line. 

Samuel Maduwantha usually a reliable place kicker had an off day with his boots. 

For CH nothing went their way. They just looked an ordinary side and surprised many of their top half performance eyeing for the Cup segment.

CH missed an early Janith Chandimal penalty and minutes later Havies drew first blood through dashing winger Jayathu Rajaratne who scored a try. Ten minutes later the Park Club added a penalty through Samuel Maduwantha to take an 8-0 lead. A few minutes later CH scored their only try of the game through a sweeping three-quarter move ending in full back Janith Chandimal touching down to narrow the gap to 3 points. Maduwantha missed yet another penalty but the Park Club had time for one more try through former Thomian Yehan Bulathsinghalage who touched down to take the short breather at 13/5.

The second half had Havelocks scoring their tries through Dehan Senaratne, Jayathu Rajaratne, Janidu Wijerathne and Mohamed Rifan. Samuel Maduwantha at last hit form later in the second half through two conversions and a penalty while Yehan Bulathsinghalage kicked one accurately.

This emphatic win not only ended CH and FC’s unbeaten run but also signalled Havelock SC’s growing confidence and title ambitions. With momentum firmly on their side, Havies will take heart from a performance built on structure, intensity and ruthless execution and get their bags packed to the central hills next weekend for a date with defending champions Kandy SC.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon

Havelocks Number Eight Udara Lakshan attempts to break through a gripping tackle