Ex-Peterite captain and center-three quarter Danushka Ranjan scored a hat-trick of tries as Havelock SC out powered Army SC by 31-23 points in their Dialog Rugby League 2014/15 encounter at Havelock Park on Friday evening.
After a week’s rest, Havelock SC hosted the Soldiers who were brought down by the Cops last week at the Race Course Rugby Stadium. Havies won the 1st round fixture with Army by 26-17 points on 5th December.
The current highest point’s scorer in the Dialog Rugby League, Dulaj Perera kicked off the proceedings on a cloudy evening under the artificial lights. The home team drew the first blood with only 5 minutes on the game clock when their star center Danushka Ranjan made a terrific straight run pass Army defenders after Dulaj Perera served him a timely pass. Dulaj made no mistakes with the conversion. (Havelocks 07 – Army 00)
Havelocks played as a well-gelled unit with their forwards and backs combining well in attack and defense to torment the Soldiers early on. The burly prop forward, Dushmantha Priyadarshana broke off from a driving maul with ball in hand and went over the try line untouched in the 20th minute of the match. Dulaj Perera added the extra points to stretch the lead. (Havelocks 14 – Army 00)
Havelocks enjoyed most of the territory and possession as they were fast in breakdowns but against the run of play, Army scored their first try for the evening when the veteran winger, Chula Susantha intercepted a Jason Melder pass in the 31st minute and dashed 60 meters to the try line. Full back Gayan Salinda missed the conversion. (Havelocks 14 – Army 05)
Army conceded a high number of penalties for off-side play and their forward pack was completely taken to the cleaners by the stronger Havelock forwards.
With few minutes to go for the half-time whistle, Danushka Ranjan proved he is the number one center presently in Sri Lanka when he danced his way to the try line near the left corner flag to score his 2nd try of the match after another series of attacking phases by the Havies forwards. Dulaj Perera missed the conversion. (Havelocks 19 – Army 05)
Half-Time: Havelock SC 19 (3T,2C) – Army 05 (1T)
After the lemons break, the rain started to fall down amidst the restart of Gayan Salinda. Havelock continued their dominance over the Soldiers with their set-moves and claimed the bonus-point securing try early in the 2nd half when Dulaj Perera’s cross kick found the leaping Mithun Hapugoda and he accurately offloaded to Rehan Thiyagarajah to touch down. Dulaj Perera converted with ease. (Havelocks 26 – Army 05)
Army failed to counter the strong men in pink but they stayed in contention of the match when Gayan Salinda booted over two penalties in quick succession to reduce the deficit within touching distance. (Havelocks 26 – Army 11)
Danushka Ranjan switched to the left wing position to accommodate two foreign players in the midfield yet his try-scoring form did not end as he collected a loose ball inside his own 22’ and stretched his legs to the try line and completed his hat-trick of tries with 20 minutes left on the game clock. Dulaj Perera dragged the conversion away from the posts.
(Havelocks 31 – Army 11)
The hosts brought in the changes in the forward pack and the back injury to their star player Danushka Ranjan forced him out of the match. Fijian center Mesake Baisagale caused few problems to the hosts as he looked menacing with ball in hand but he missed a certain try when he knocked on the ball near the try line.
Army started to make few promising moves and their forwards grinded hard for a well-deserved try scored by the prop Dinesh Suranga in the 68th minute of the match. Gayan Salinda missed an easy conversion. (Havelocks 31 – Army 16)
The Soldiers completely tested the depth of the Havelocks bench strength and their defensive skills as they continuously applied pressure with possession and territory behind their backs. Havies utility back, Mithun Hapugoda was yellow carded in the dying stages of the match. Havies continued to infringe and referee Dinka Peiris awarded a penalty try for Army in the 78th minute but it was little too late for the visitors as the hosts won the game despite a late rally by the Soldiers.
Full-Time: Havelock SC 31 (5T,3C) – Army 23 (3T,1C, 2P)
Referee – Dinka Peiris
ThePapare Man of the Match – Danushka Ranjan
After the conclusion of the match, Havelock SC head coach Glenn Christini shared his exclusive views on the game with wwww.thepapare.com, “ We had a plan to win the game with a bonus point and we did it. The boys lost shape after scoring 4 tries but glad how the things panned out.”
