A delectable clash is set to take centre stage as last year’s defending champions Havelocks SC take on runners up Kandy SC at Havelock Park on Saturday, 18th of January in game which will be played under lights.
As we head towards the final week of the first round in the Dialog Rugby League, this match would prove to be extremely crucial when the points are carried forward to the next round. Currently both teams have only failed once incidentally succumbing to the same opponent; Navy SC who are currently at the helm of the league table.
Havies who had a tough match last week against Navy will come out all guns blazing in order to ensure the title doesn’t slip away too far from reach. A win here will keep their hopes very much alive, as the fate of the tournament will still be in their hands depending on a consistent positive performance in all the forthcoming games.
The services of Chamara Dabare were clearly missed last week as the speedster had to sit out due to an injury, which will be a crucial element going into this all important game. It has been the wingers, Dabare and Sadun Herath who have been the main threat for Havelocks against most of their opponents.
However, with the return of Shenal Dias into the team, Havies have managed to restructure their game plan to fit in Shenal who claimed the accolade of being the Best Player in last year’s Dialog Rugby Awards.
Flyhalf Niroshan Fernando has had a forgettable season so far, and will have to step up in order to help Havelocks dominate the game. Going up against the likes of Fazil Marija and Fa’atonu Fili who will alternate for Kandy SC as his opposite number will be a task he will have to handle extremely tactfully.
Anuranga Walpola has been a stand out performer for Havies this season, and he will look to lead his set of forwards. Sudarshan Muthuthanthri who has captained Havies through most of the season has been a treat to watch, while Daniel Falaefa and Paula Kaho have filled in at No. 08 extremely well in order to contribute to the successes Havelocks SC has had this season.
Kandy SC who will be targeting to avenge the defeat to Havelocks last season have been an extremely tight fit bunch under their new coach Neil Foote. Apart from the blip against Navy SC, this team has been ruthless right throughout the league.
Lead by the talismanic Roshan Weeraratne, Kandy has managed to dish out some extremely fast paced rugby.
The forwards led by national cap Kishore Jehan will prove to be worthy challengers going up against a strong Havies set up. Havelocks employed an extremely ‘forwards’ dominated game against Navy SC unlike in the previous matches, where the ‘backs’ were more freely employed, thus it will be interesting to see the choice of game plan that will be used against a high riding Kandy team.
Fazil Marija and Fili will be two important figures in the Kandy SC line, while No 08. New Zealander Andrew Porter who usually starts for Kandy will look to make his mark. Tongan Centre David Halaifonua has been a treat to watch, while ‘the giant’ Samisoni Masima has been an extremely good impact player off the bench.
The Perera twins, Lavanga and Oshan combined brilliantly against Police the week before, and will look to continue their partnership. The speedy Anurudhdha Wilwara is another extremely good prospect to keep an eye out for, as a tough battle on the wings is on the cards.
The combination between Gayan Weeraratne and Fazil Marija is another relishing factor to look out for going into the game.
The stage is set, as we head towards a lovely finale of the first round of league games.
ThePapare.com wishes both sides the very best, where Rugby is certainly going to be a winner.
League sponsors Dialog have also planned festivities to mark the occasion of the end of the first round and the ‘night’ game and party is expected to go on well into the night with DJ and After Party on the cards.
All are invited to stick on for the revelry
