The much awaited clash between Navy and Havelocks finally happened. And in the end, it lived up to the drama expected.
Well, somewhat. The games have not been fast and open, and neither Navy or Havies have the artistic appeal of a Kandy side in full flow. But you don’t get points looking pretty. Unless you’re a girl that is.
Army v Sharks
As expected Army prevailed in this game by 26-3 against a Sharks team who try hard with no finish. They had only a Dev Anand drop goal to call their own and Army ran in four tries for their much needed bonus point. The Hambanthota Sharks have had little joy in their first season, but it will naturally take time for them to find their feet and recruit school players to their ranks. Moving to Hambanthoto robbed them of some of their more talented players, but they should be up and running by next season.
CR v Air Force
Although CR ran out 36-13 winners, they will be wary that the second half was only 12-10 in their favour. The heavy wind that goes across the length of the ground takes some getting used to, and visiting teams will have to factor it in. Nevertheless, without the muscle of foreign players Air Force did extremely well in defence and seemed a highly conditioned side.
CR started off with a length of the field try in the second minute and had 24 points to their name by half time. But they took their foot off the gas in the second half and conceded some soft tries that they can ill afford to let by in the second round.
Lions v Kandy
After holding the Kandy team for much of the first half, at 10 all, the Lions disintegrated in the second half allowing Kandy to get a bonus point for a 34-13 win.
Once again Anuruddha Wilwara showed that he is has the nous of a poacher and finished off a couple of Kandy back line moves. He has been a thorn in the side for many defences this season and David Halaifonua has found a willing finisher for his distribution. Kandy will face Havelocks under lights next week and it should be a good test of their improvement during the latter half of the first round.
CH v Police
Playing their matches at the Royal Complex, CH have had little to show for their season. They have lost every game they played, but really stuck into police who had some excellent foreign players available to them.
Although Police scored early, CH retaliated and kept the game at 26-20 for a long while in the second half. Police were breaking the defensive line easily, but unable to finish a number of line breaks due to poor discipline in attack. However, in the 70th minute the CH resistance faded and Police’s gigantic Fijian centre marauded through the field for the umpteenth time to take them two scores ahead. They scored again for good measure and finished 36-20.
The plate Championship, if CH remain competitive, will be interesting.
Navy v Havelocks
The Havies had promised to play smart, in the lead up to this game. But on the day, they didn’t seem able to execute. Add to that the inaccuracy of Viliami Hakolo, and the recent presence of Japan international centre Alisi Tupuaili in the outside centre jersey for Navy, and it combined to ensure Havelocks lost 21-17.
The match was not as close as the score would suggest, as Navy scored twice through some great work from Tupuaili for Chathuranga to finish, and a Kofatalu charge down. The eight-man has been justifying his selection ahead of Bilal Hassen and one only hopes the lack of game time will not be detrimental to Sri Lanka’s first choice no.8.
Hakalo missed several conversions and penalties and got only one on target all evening. It was a shame as it would have forced Navy to respond and made the game more interesting. As it was, the tries that Havies scored through Muththanthri, Pathirana and Herath were not enough to topple the unbeaten Navy lads at Welisara.
Although Navy possess some fantastic players, it is clear to see that Tupuaili and the other foreign recruits Kofetalu and Cakau combined well to give their team the edge. Navy will be difficult to beat, and the second round Cup championship will necessarily the Battle of the Foreigners.
