A dominant second-half performance from Havelocks Sports Club secured a commanding 40-22 victory over Air Force SC in their Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 Cup Segment clash at Havelock Park.
After a morale-denting defeat to CR & FC, Havelocks SC returned to their home ground, determined to bounce back against Air Force SC in the second week of the Cup Segment.
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The Airmen started strong, dominating the early exchanges. A powerful break from second-row Maleesha Weerakoon saw him charge over 30 meters before being halted near the 5-meter mark. Quick pick-and-go phases from the forwards followed, culminating in loosehead prop Manuka Perera bulldozing through defenders to score the opening try. Gayantha Iddamalgoda added the extras.
The Havelocks settled into the game by the 15th minute, building pressure through a scrum near the 10-meter line. While their backs were unable to break through, they earned a penalty, which was taken quickly by scrum-half Mohamed Rifan, who darted past the unsettled Air Force defense to score. The Park Club continued their momentum, kicking to the corner for a maul-driven attack. Lock Udara Madushan powered over from the rolling maul, giving the home side the lead, with Samuel Maduwantha slotting the conversion.
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Looking to break the Havelocks’ momentum, scrum-half Kaveesha Kaluarachchi sparked an attacking move, slicing through the defense from the 50-meter line and driving his team deep into the opposition’s territory. Air Force maintained the pressure with quick pick-and-go phases, eventually earning an offside penalty. With the advantage in play, Ishara Madushan executed a precise cross-kick, which winger Kalana Chamuditha skillfully tapped back, allowing center Pramod Pathmasanka to dive over for their second try.
The Airmen struck again shortly after. Starting from a lineout on the 40-meter mark, their attack initially stalled. However, Kaluarachchi spotted an opportunity on the blind side, linking up with Madushan, who delivered a sharp pass to Chamuditha. The winger gained a few crucial meters before setting up hooker Shamika Kaushan, who bulldozed through two defenders to score a powerful try in the corner, reclaiming the lead for Air Force.
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However, just as the Airmen looked to build momentum, a crucial interception turned the game. A loose pass from Manuka Perera was read perfectly by Jayathu Rajaratne, who sprinted 50 meters to score in the corner. Maduwantha converted from the corner to extend the lead before Half Time.
Half Time: Havelocks SC 19 (3T,2C) – Air Force SC 17 (3T,1C)
Air Force struck first in the second half, making full use of their forward strength. A well-executed lineout drive saw tighthead prop Sandanu Mandiv crash over, reclaiming the lead for the visitors.
Much like the first half, Havelocks took time to settle but found their rhythm by the 51st minute. A rolling maul gained crucial meters before Azmir Fajudden broke away to set up an attacking move. Scrum-half Rifan Mohamed quickly moved the ball to Mushin Faleel, whose pinpoint pass sent playmaker Sandesh Jayawickrama over the try line. Maduwantha’s reliable boot restored the lead for the hosts.
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From that moment on, the Havelocks dominated proceedings. Their backs showcased silky passing, quickly shifting the ball across the field to create space for winger Jayathu Rajaratne, who finished in the corner after strong carries from the forwards. Maduwantha converted brilliantly from the touchline.
As the game drew to a close, the Park Club put the final nail in the coffin. Opting for a scrum after an offside penalty, No. 8 Chathura Dilshan broke through to bring them close to the try line. A series of patient forward drives followed before Charana Sendanayake powered over for the final try. Maduwantha added the conversion, sealing a dominant victory for Havelocks SC.
Full Time: Havelocks SC 40 (6T,5C) – Air Force SC 22 (4T,1C)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Jayathu Rajarathne (Havelocks SC)
Points Breakdown
Havelocks SC 40
Mohamed Rifan 1T, Udara Madushan 1T, Jayathu Rajaratne 2T, Sandesh Jayawickrama 1T, Charana Sendanayake 1T, Samuel Maduwantha 5C
Air Force SC 22
Manuka Perera 1T, Pramod Pathmasanka 1T, Shamika Kaushan 1T, Sandanu Mandiv 1T, Gayantha Iddamalgoda 1C
