Havelock Sports Club preserved their perfect start to the season, edging out Police Sports Club 17-15 in a hard-fought encounter during their third-week fixture of the Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25 at Havelock Park.
Police Sports Club entered this game eager to secure their first win of the season, while the hosts, the Havelocks, sought to maintain their winning momentum. Under the lights at Havelock Park, the match kicked off with fly-half Sandesh Jayawickrema sending the ball deep to start the contest.
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Both teams struggled to capitalise on their attacks early on, with Havelocks almost scoring through Dinupa Senevirathne, only to be stopped by a try-saving tackle from Police winger Ramitha Himash. However, Himash’s efforts were overshadowed when he received a red card minutes later for a dangerous high tackle on Sudesh Jayawickrama, leaving Police with 14 players.
Police broke the deadlock after 26 minutes, using their forwards to build pressure near the try line. Jayathu Rajarathne’s intentional knock-on stopped a scoring chance, earning him a yellow card. From the resulting penalty, Police’s forward dominance paid off as Hafiz Thabeeth powered over to score. Havelocks suffered further with Dinupa Senevirathne receiving a yellow card for a high tackle, reducing the hosts to 13 players. (Havelocks 00 – 05 Police)
The Havelocks needed a quick response despite being a man down, and they found some relief as Police conceded a series of penalties. Samuel Maduwantha stepped up confidently and slotted a 38-meter penalty, putting the hosts on the scoreboard and narrowing the gap. (Havelocks 03 – 05 Police)
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Just before halftime, Naveen Kanishka extended Police’s lead with a well-struck 45-meter penalty after the Havelocks were penalized for an offside infringement, giving the visitors a narrow five-point advantage heading into the break.
Half Time: Havelocks SC 03 (1P) – Police SC 08 (1T,1P)
The hosts started the second half with intent, making a strong statement by executing several close-quarter phases. Skipper Abdullah Faiz capped off the move with a powerful carry, crossing the whitewash to open the scoring for Havelocks. Samuel Maduwantha added the extras with a successful conversion, putting the hosts in the lead. (Havelocks 10 – 08 Police)
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Havelocks continued their attacking momentum, capitalizing on Police’s repeated infringements. Opting for a lineout deep in Police territory, they executed a textbook catch-and-drive, with Azmir Fajudeen powering over for their second try. Samuel Maduwantha maintained his flawless kicking form, slotting the conversion to extend the lead. (Havelocks 17 – 08 Police)
Police needed to respond to stay in contention, and playmaker Naveen Kanishka created an opening with a clever dummy, slicing through the Havelocks defense. However, a stunning tackle by Havelocks scrum-half Mohamed Rifan dislodged the ball just short of the try line. Quick-thinking scrum-half Primesh Danushka capitalized on the loose ball, diving over to score. Yehan Bulathsinghala added the conversion, narrowing the gap to just two points. (Havelocks 17 – 15 Police)
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Havelocks showcased a massive defensive effort in the dying moments of the game, withstanding over 25 relentless phases of pick-and-go attacks from the Police Forwards. The Havelocks’ rock-solid defense held firm, ensuring they secured a hard-fought victory in this tightly contested encounter.
Full Time: Havelocks SC 17 (2T,2C,1P) – Police SC 15 (2T,1C,1P)
Player of the Match: Mohamed Rifan (Havelocks SC)
Points Breakdown
Havelocks SC 17
Abdulla Faiz 1T, Azmir Fajudeen 1T,Samuel Maduwantha 2C,1P
Police SC 15
Hafiz Thabeeth 1T, Primesh Danushka1T, Naveen Kanishka 1P, Yehan Bulathsinghala 1C
