Havies’ second-half burst floors CH

Havies centre Musheen Faleel is held by CH flanker, Lahiru Thilakaratne Photo credits: Eshan Fernando

 Havies second rower Vunaki Waqanibau is held by a CH player with support coming in from Azmir Fajudeen and Abdullah Faiz

By Shamseer Jaleel

Havelock SC delivered a devastating second-half performance to overpower CH & FC by 50 points (6 tries, 4 conversions, 3 penalties, 1 drop goal) to 17 points (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) in their Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/26 encounter at the Race Course Grounds yesterday. 

The victory, which secured the YC Chang Challenge Trophy, underlined the Park Club’s dominance as they turned a tightly contested first half, which they led 19–17, into a commanding triumph.

CH struck first in the 8th minute through hooker Pulasthi Dissanayake, with Abdul Haadi adding the conversion. Havelocks responded swiftly, as Vunaki Waqanibau crossed over and Samuel Maduwantha converted. Further tries by Chatura Dilshan and Jayathu Rajarathna kept the scoreboard ticking for the hosts, while CH stayed in touch through skipper Janidu Dilshan’s try and Haadi’s accurate boot.

The turning point came after the break when Havelocks’ powerful forward unit took complete control. Azmir Fajudeen, playing his 100th game for the club, led from the front with a try, while Abdullah Faiz continued his tireless work in tight exchanges.

Further second-half tries by Janidu Fernando and Rajarathna stretched the margin, as Maduwantha orchestrated proceedings with precision. He added three penalties and a well-taken drop goal, while Nabeel Yahya and Fajudeen contributed with successful conversions.

Referee Dechdanai Wongyuen of Thailand controlled the contest efficiently.

Havies ended the league in third, while CH had to be satisfied with the number 4 position.