The park boys continue to impress as they registered their second bonus point victory in the Dialog Rugby League against Airforce at Havelcoks grounds today. The final score line stood at 46 points to 23 in favor of the hosts.
Havelocks coming back from a dominating performance against Police last week, was forced make a few changes in the line up. Skipper Jason Melder was benched due to a ligament injury on his left foot and they had Sandun Herath coming in after he was sidelined in the first match due to a shoulder injury. To the surprise of all Dinuk Amerasinghe was not included in the line up for today’s game.
However, the hosts looked in sync from the word go. The only set back for them was the penalties they conceded during the first half which gave the visitors a chance to get their noses ahead.
Havelocks started off scoring with a unconverted try by Sharo Fernando. The visitors bounced back with two penalties by Charith Senevirathne who got them in the lead. Airforce used different tactics to get points on board and their execution was on point. (Havelocks 5 – Airforce 6)
The hosts found their footing in the second quarter and they managed to score two quick tries. Prasad Madushanka was pushed over after a rolling maul from 10m out. Moments later Nishon Perera jumped over the ball after Hirantha broke through and chipped the ball over the defense line. (Havelocks 15 – Airforce 6)
Penalties kept on piling up for the boys in pink and Charith Senevirathne made sure they chip away with points as he bisected the uprights for the third time in the first half. On the brink of half time Hirantha Perera touched down to secure the bonus point for his side and for the first time in the match Riza Mubarak converted.
Half Time: Havelocks 22 – Airforce 9
Second half witnessed a much better performance from the Havelocks side. Especially their back line showed great understanding and their execution was top notch. Former Havelocks skipper Dushmantha Priyadarshana started off the scoring in the second half for the hosts. Havies used their forwards well in set pieces to gain territory. Riza Mubarak had a day to forget with his kicking boots as he missed yet another conversion. (Havelocks SC 27 – Airforce 9)
The visitors bounced back with a converted try by Radheesha Senevirathne who jumped over after a series of penalties which was conceded by the home side. Airforce continued to push on but they failed to maintain possession which took the game away from them. Few minutes later, Kevin Dixon touched down after Riza Mubarak broke through from the 22m line. (Havelocks 32 – Airforce 16)
The hosts were down to 14 men after Prasad Madushanka received a yellow card which paved way for another try from the visitors. They took the ball from the line out, formed a maul and used their forwards to push over. It was their hooker Parakrama Rathnayake who carried the ball over the line. Charith added the extras. (Havelocks 32 – Airforce 23)
In the final quarter of the game, the park boys managed to secure two tries from former school mates Kevin Dixon and Nishon Perera to extend their lead and finish off with 8 tries in the match.
Full Time: Havelcoks 46 (8T, 3C) – Airforce 23 (2T, 2C, 3P)
- ThePapare.com’s Player of the Match: Shehan Dias (Havelocks)
- Referee: Dinka Pieris
Points scorers for Havelocks: Tries from Kevin Dixon (2), Nishon Perera (2), Sharo Fernando, Hirantha Perera, Prasad Madushanka and Dushmantha Priyadarshana
Conversions from Riza Mubarak (3)
Bookings: Prasad Madusanka (Yellow)
Points scorers for Airforce: Radheesha Senevirathne and Parakrama Madushanka
Conversions by Charith Senevirathne (2)
Penalties by Charith Senevirathne (3)Full Time: Havelocks 46 : Airforce 23
