Havelock Sports Club continued their winning run in to the New Year defeating Army Sports Club 17-25 in the Dialog Rugby League encounter and equalling CR & FC on 25 points on the table. Match was played at Army’s adopted home Welisara.
The hosts made a raft of changes coming into the game as Gayan Salinda and Dhanushka Thalwatta returned to the run with Sri Lanka representative Sudaraka Dikkubura, the notable omission.
Meanwhile, the visitors were forced into changes with Ganidu Lakshan and Shawket Lahir missing out due to injury.
Havelocks came down to Welisara as overwhelming favourites however, the Soldiers came to play as the visitors felt their physical presence in the first exchanges of the game.
It took 25-minutes and some brilliant footballing skills for the deadlock to be broken. With a penalty advantage on their side, Sandesh Jayawickrama put in a pinpoint grubber with space in behind. Asitha Gayashan reached the grubber, putting in two further kicks, collecting and diving over for the first try of the game. Prince Chamara made no mistake with the extras, giving the visitors the lead. (Army 00-07 Havies)
The hosts closed the gap on the Pinks, moments after conceding three points as indiscipline seemed to creep into the Army game.
Army’s new halfback combination sparked a scintillating reverse play, catching their opponents napping on the short side. Five-eighth Sachin Gamage brought Fijian Tomasi Caqusau on a switch, playing a one-two with the big centre to touch down for the hosts first try of the game.
Gayan Salinda pierced the sticks with ease as Army ultimately found their feet in the game. (Army 07-10 Havies)
The home team made the cardinal error, switching off following their score and paid the prize moments before half time. Former Peterite Dilanka Perera was the beneficiary as the lock forward found himself diving over the white-wash.
Prince Chamara notched over the conversion with ease to extend the visitors lead further heading into half time.
Half Time: Army Sports Club 07 (1T 1C) trail Havelock Sports Club 17 (2T 2C 1P)
Prince Chamara booted over his second penalty of the game as Havelocks punished the hosts continued indiscipline even though Army steamed out of the sheds following the break. (Army 07-20 Havies)
Both sides traded tries, first Army through a lovely break from Dhanushka Talwatta. Soon after by Zayan Sabar for the visitors, restoring their lead over Army.
Talwatta was assisted yet again by Tomasi Caqusau as the big Fijian showed his death-touch, dropping off a sumptuous short ball for the former Vidyartha Center to dive over.
Former Wesley forward, now plying his trade for Havelocks, got their third try of the game as the prop forward struck straight after conceding, as the visitors continued to maintain their lead over the Soldiers.
Both kickers failed with their respective conversions as the game headed into the final quarter with everything to play for. (Army 12-25 Havies)
The hosts continued to apply pressure on their opponent, however the Havelocks defence held firm and continued to hold out the Army.
Sudaraka Dikkubura had a brain fade as the winger went off faster than he came on to the field as the home team finished the game with 14-men.
Former skipper Thusitha Senanayake crossed over for the hosts their last try in the game as the resilient Havelock defence was finally breached, however it was too little too late for Army as the game drew to an end.
With this win Havelocks Sports Club move up the points table, running equal with CR & FC in second place with 22 points while Army continue to sit above Navy and Air Force in 5th place.
Full Time: Army Sports Club 17 (3T 1C) lost to Havelock Sports Club 25 (3T 2C 2P)
Dialog Viu Player of the Match: Asitha Gayashan (Havelock Sports Club)
Points Breakdown:
Army: Sachin Gamage 1T, Dhanushka Talwatta 1T, Thusitha Senanayake 1T, Gayan Salinda 1C
Havelocks: Asitha Gayashan 1T, Dilanka Perera 1T, Zayan Sabar 1T, Prince Chamara 2C 2P
