Naval battering hits Havies as match ends in dramatic 31-31 draw

Navy SC player Imanka Ishara makes a break against the Havelocks defence (Pic: Nimalsiri Edirisinghe)

By Shamseer Jaleel

Havelock Park witnessed a pulsating game of rugby last evening as Havelock SC and Navy SC battled out a 31/31 draw in a most thrilling contest of the Inter-Club League 2025/2026 opener. 

Both teams produced some outstanding running rugby, keeping the crowd on edge until the final whistle.

Navy SC scored their points through four tries, four conversions and one penalty while the hosts, Havies scored their points through five tries and three conversions.

Navy SC, who have often been underestimated by rival clubs, delivered a powerful reminder of their capabilities with a superb first-half display. Playing with confidence, structure and precision, Navy SC stormed to a 24/10 lead at halftime, showing immense determination and discipline across all areas of play.

Their attack was clinical early on, crossing the whitewash line three times and converting all their tries. Adding a well-struck penalty to the tally, Navy built pressure continuously, stretching the Havelocks defence and capitalising on every opportunity. Their ability to maintain momentum and force errors showed a level of quality that should caution the rest in the league.

Havelock SC, however, refused to fade away. The Park Club struck twice in the first half through unconverted tries, displaying glimpses of their trademark running rugby. Though trailing, they returned to the dressing room knowing they had more to offer in the final forty minutes.

The second half belonged to the Havies. With renewed intensity, they unleashed wave after wave of attacking rugby, scoring 21 points as their backs found space and their forwards punched holes through the Navy defence. Momentum shifted dramatically as Havelocks appeared to take control of the match.

Yet Navy SC, showing the same fighting spirit that defined their opening half, refused to surrender. In the final minute of the game, Navy SC struck back with a decisive try, followed by a pressure-filled conversion, levelling the scores at 31-31 and sealing a dramatic finish.

Navy SC scored their tries through skipper, Denuwan Wickremaratne (2), Isuru Perera and Isuru Conghawatte. Congahawatte converted all four tries and put over a solitary penalty as well. 

Havies scored through Abdullah Faiz, Ajmir Fajudeen, Jayathu Rajarathna, Theekshana Dassanayake and Chatura Dilshan. Skipper Sandesh Jayawickrema converted three of the tries.

For Navy SC their skipper Denuwan Wickremaratne, Isuru Conghawatte and Thilina Weerasinghe played well while for the Park Club their nippy scrum half, Mohamed Rifan, Jayathu Rajarathna, Ajmir Fajudeen and Sandesh Jayawickrema played their hearts out.

Referee Gihan Yatawara handled the encounter well, ensuring a free-flowing contest worthy of the enthusiastic crowd.

Navy SC’s flanker Denuwan Wickremarachie attempts to hand-off a Havelocks defender in their inter club league rugby match at Havelock Park yesterday. (Pic: Nimalsiri Edirisinghe)