Havelocks SC maintained their steady start for the season with an emphatic 37-12 win over Police SC in their Dialog Rugby League fixture worked off at Police Park today.
Despite playing their 2nd consecutive home game there was no change of fortunes for Police as they slumped to their 2nd defeat in as many games, having conceded a 23 point lead at half time. Havelocks collected their points via 4 goals and 3 penalties while Police scored 2 tries, converting one.
Kicking off the game, attacking the Havelock road end, the early proceedings never went as planned for the home team. The first minute saw their 2nd rower being stretchered off due to an injury. It was a scrappy start by both teams as neither side managed to consolidate possession or territory with knock-ons aplenty. Police were awarded a penalty in the 7th minute but Full-back Rajith Sansoni’s attempt lacked the distance. Havelocks then drew first blood in the 16th minute through Dulaj Perera’s well executed penalty kick from 35 yards out. (Police 00 – HSC 03).
Photos: Police SC v Havelock SC – Dialog Rugby League 2016/17 | #Match 5
Photos of the Police SC 12 : 37 Havelock SC – Dialog Rugby League 2016/17 | #Match 5
Police came up with a few attacking moves of their own but were on the receiving end as it was Havelocks who scored again through their flying winger Chamara Dabare. A loose ball rolled into the hands of Dabare, who made a thundering dash towards the try line along the touch line covering more than 60 meters to score by the left corner flag. Dulaj Perera added further value putting over the difficult conversion with ease (Police 00 – HSC 10).
Havelocks went on to add another 3 points 10 minutes later through another Dulaj penalty. The scoreboard pressure was building and the home side went further behind when Prasath Madushanka caught the Police defense off guard sneaking through a ruck to score beside the posts. The conversion by Dulaj was good and Havies led by a 20 point margin. Things only got worse for the home team when their center Chula Susantha was shown yellow for a late charge. Dulaj consolidated his side’s lead slotting through another 3 pointer just before the break to pile on the misery for the Cops.
Half Time Police 00 – Havelocks 23
Police were once again given a rude awakening immediately after the break when Havelock’s hooker, Prasath Madushanka yet again caught the Police defense napping close to their 22 to score a brilliant try. Dulaj Perera maintained his 100% record in the game with another peach of a conversion. (Police 00 – HSC 30).
Police now trailing by 30 points tried to keep things tight between their forwards. The decision started to work in their favour as Havelocks found it difficult to keep the Police forwards at bay. The move bore fruit as Police managed to put some phases together and scored through flanker Joel Perera. Full back Sansoni made a good conversion from a tight angle but Havelocks were still in a commanding lead (Police 07 – HSC 30).
From this point onwards it was the yellow cards that started to take the spotlight rather than the rugby. Shenal Deelaka (Havelocks) and Radeesha Senevirathne (Police) were sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements and they were soon joined by Sharo Fernando who was shown yellow for an ‘off the ball’ incident. However despite that disadvantage it was Havelocks who scored yet again and this time through Center Nishon Perera after some clever work by his inside center Niroshan Fernando. Niroshan drew the Police defense before making a neat punt down the Police 22’ to which Nishon showed great awareness as he chased down the kick and scored with minimum fuss. Dulaj was on target yet again making a fabulous conversion from the corner flag. (Police 07 – HSC 37).
With many mistakes, the game was played at a slow pace with referee Priyantha Gunarathne having no option but to penalize both teams for their errors. The replacement scrum half for Havelocks Vimukthi Rahula who had just entered the field too was sent to the sin bin cutting short his game. The game eventually drew to a close with Police scoring a consolation try during the dying stages of the game.
Full Time Police 12 – Havelocks 37
Referee: Priyantha Gunarathne
ThePapare.com man of the match: Dulaj Perera (Havelocks SC)
Score Break down;
Tries:
Police SC (1 Goal, 2 Tries)
Joel Perera
Sujan Kodithuwakku
Rajitha Sansoni 1 conversionHavelocks SC 37 (4 Goals, 3 Penalties)
Prasath Madushanka (2), Chamara Dhabare, Nishon Perera
Dulaj Perera – 4 conversions and 3 penalties.
