Defending champions Navy SC produced a superb show in the second half to overcome title contenders Havelocks SC.
The CR&FC Reds managed a bonus point in their derby match against CH&FC whilst Air Force SC nearly picked up their first win of the season over Police but fell short in the end. Army SC ran in a whopping 6 tries over the Sharks.
Havelock’s 13 v 17 Navy
The consolation for Havies is that they managed to come away with a losing bonus point after a disappointing and narrow loss to the defending champions Navy. The men in pink had a great start out of the blocks and led 10 – 07 at the half time. Havies put on an almost perfect performance throwing caution to the wind in damp conditions and looking back, should have piled on more points in the half. Havies attacking pattern and support play in the first 40 minutes was simply outstanding. Dulaj Perera had all the thirteen points under his name with a converted try and two penalties. Mohamed Sheriff who made some great yards and took two defenders coming in to him over Williami Tahitua’s long pass. Sheriff made superb off load to Dulaj, who went to the touch eventually.
Navy coach Leonard De Zilva made a tactical change taking the Number 8 Navari Eramasi off after 30 minutes of play sending on the dynamic Dean Warren early creating some doubt of whether it was the right decision? However, it paid later in the game as Warren did put in a massive work-load in terms of gaining territory and made some good defensive tackles.
Chanka Chandimal was sin binned a few minutes before half time and Rizah Mubarak was forced to move into first receiver for 10 minutes on Navy attack. Havies manage to take advantage of the extra man with some good wide running. Rizah also made some valuable contributions at the back when he was isolated under the high ball but somehow gathered it well. Majority of his kicks were on target but he had a few surprising misses out of hand.
Unfortunately for Havies it was a less than acceptable performance in the second half. Navy on the other hand, held on to their nerves with a calm and composed mentality. It was good to see Suranga Pushpakumara spending an extended period of time on the field and making some good decisions at the base. The very prominent Navy forwards put up some rollicking defense and also read the game tactically well with uncontested defensive lineouts where it was useful.
Danushka Ranjan getting a yellow card was perhaps the turning point for the hosts as the Sailors ricocheted in to Havies territory. Navy capitalized by playing a tight game capitalizing on a stretched Havelocks defense. They rumbled it up the middle and played a very simple game which eventually paid off. Leo Naikasau was too strong with his bone crunching tackles and his massive runs, carrying 2-3 defenders. He also scored a scintillating try which turned out to be the winning try.
Talking Points : Leonard’s tactical changes – Leo & Dean’s work load – Havies pathetic second half
CR 33 v 15 CH
The Reds did not look comfortable in the first quarter; Naleen Kumara missed two juicy penalties early on despite nailing relatively difficult conversions. CH discipline was not up to the standard as they infringed a lot, perhaps the referee was also a bit harsh on the visitors. In addition to this CH manager Mr. Medagedara was also suspended for two weeks after having words with a referee in the last week’s game.
Radeesha Seneviratne CH skipper is not a largest of flankers but he is very mobile and deceptively strong. So is the CH hooker Hamza Hassan who was as ever an enigma on the field. Radeesha set the foundation for the first try taking a quick tap running passed the 10m off-side line, Shehzan Salih sent it off the ruck to Hamza who found Rusiate Vakula for an inside pass. It was a great team try as Dilshan Kelaniyagoda found Rusi’s off load and painted the finishing touches.
Nevertheless, the hosts replied immediately with Malneek breaking out wide and passing to Anurada Herath who touched down on the right flank. Both teams lost their composure periodically and created a see-saw battle of possession and points.
Shehzan Salih had a good first half but the young man was unsettled in the second half. He was too slow in releasing the from the base and actually ran 10m backwards to pass it to Tamara Ione off a scrum, later his slow pass was intercepted watchfully by Ashan De Costa who darted down the left flank to hammer the nail in the coffin.
One good spiral kick to touch by Robert Malneek in the above graphic.
Anurada Herath was excellent on the wing as he showed his never give up attitude to score a chip and chase try. Arun Kumar and Nipuna Devinda also contributed a lot for the host’s success. In the end what was more important for CR is that they got the four try bonus point and are now equal with Police in te table with a total of 25 points.
Talking Points : Herath’s good form – Hamza & Radeesha’s warrior instinct – CR bonus point win
Police 24 v 19 Air Force
The visiting Air Force team almost picked up their first win despite a scrappy performance by Police SC. Two tries in the last quarter sealed police win late in the game. Perhaps Apisai Nagaliva sitting on the bench made Police a bit hesitant. Apisai is indeed a gladiator as his presence changed the game in the second for the Police.
Samantha Lakshan who missed the game against CH has recovered from his injury but could not make a big impact against the Airmen. Sudam Sooriarachi the half back has been impressive thus far in his club debut season he also has gelled with Apisai’s running angles and he knows when he will get the off loads too.
Air force on the other hand played their match of the season so far, great defense, hard hits and they maintained some good positions until the 60th minute. Pradeep Kurukulassoriya the lock forward had a good time on the field and also the Chilean Filip Eduardo scored his first try in Sri Lankan league.
Talking Points : Apisai not starting a worry – Airmen trying to seize off wooden spoon –Sudam a good future prospect
Sharks 11 v 38 Army
It was a much needed win for the Soldier’s after heart breaking losses to Havelock’s and Navy. Captain Rohitha Rajapaksa playing at fly half this season took over the kicking duties in penalties and conversions. Regular kicker Prince Chamara did not have a good outing in the last two games with his kicking boots. Despite the first drop goal of the season by Rohitha knocked over four out of 6 conversions with 65% success rate.
Pio Tuwai had a go in this game but Sharks did not allow him to run as Pio wanted. Sanivalati Ramuwai has been simply outstanding for the Army and this time around he ran in a hat-trick of tries.
The Sharks on the other hand have not settled in as yet. They are a young team, inexperienced nevertheless a talented bunch. Wagawulagi Emori and Joseph Dunn have been the driving force along with the experience of Amjad Buksh. Also Emori’s brother Stephen Sethuwari coming on board has given that extra oomph to the Sharks but still needs to work a lot as a unit.
Talking Points : Ramuwai’s hat-trick – Sharks defense as a team – Rohitha kicking
