CR & FC edged past Havelocks Sports Club in a thrilling 25-24 victory in the Mastercard Inter-Club Clifford Cup Knockout Championship 2025 semi-final at Havelock Park.
Havelocks Sports Club welcomed arch-rivals CR & FC for their third showdown of the season, with both teams having secured a win each in their previous encounters. This time, the stakes were higher as they clashed in the knockout semi-final, with a spot in the grand finale against the unbeaten Kandy Sports Club on the line.
The visitors struck first, with Mursheed Doray slotting a penalty in the 8th minute after Havelocks were penalized for offside. Twelve minutes later, Havies responded as Sandesh Jayawickrema converted a penalty of his own after CR failed to release the ball inside their 22, leveling the score. (Havelocks 03-03 CR)
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Havelocks’ penalty count continued to rise, allowing Doray to kick for the corner following another offside infringement. From the resulting lineout, CR’s forwards set up a rolling maul, and Omalka Gunaratna powered over to restore their lead, with Doray adding the extras. (Havelocks 03-10 CR)
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Havelocks responded immediately after the restart, earning a penalty near the 22-meter mark. Opting for touch, they mirrored CR’s strategy with a rolling maul of their own, as Udara Lakshan broke away to crash over the line. Jayawickrema’s conversion once again brought the game level. (Havelocks 10-10 CR)
As halftime approached, CR had a chance to extend their lead with a penalty in front of the posts. However, skipper Doray made a bold decision to kick for the corner instead. The gamble paid off as CR’s forwards drove another rolling maul over the line, with Gunaratna touching down once more. With that, CR headed into the break with a slender lead.
Halftime: Havelocks SC 10 (1T, 1C, 1P) – CR & FC 15 (2T, 1C, 1P)
CR picked up right where they left off, with Chemod Muthunayake setting up an attacking platform by collecting a clearance kick and bringing play deep into Havelocks’ half. CR’s backs swiftly spread the ball from left to right, edging closer to the try line. Scrum-half Viduna Amaneth recycled possession quickly, shifting play back to the left. No. 8 Lasindu Karunathilake made a powerful carry but was held up just inches short. However, Muthunayake, who had initiated the move, seized the opportunity, sniping through the Havies’ defense to score. Doray added the extras, extending CR’s lead. (Havelocks 10-22 CR)
As the hour mark approached, Havelocks clawed their way back into the game, relying on their forwards from a 5-meter scrum. Although their backs attempted to breach the defense, CR held firm. The forwards maintained possession patiently, avoiding errors. Scrum-half Mohamed Rifan found center Mushin Faleel, who brought play closer to the try line. Quick recycling from Rifan then allowed No. 8 Chathura Dilshan to bulldoze over for a crucial try, keeping the home side in contention. Jayawickrema’s conversion narrowed the gap. (Havelocks 17-22 CR)
With a slender five-point lead, CR opted for a penalty kick after Havelocks’ Udara Lakshan was penalized for hands in the ruck. Knowing that Havies would need to score twice if they conceded three more points, Doray confidently slotted the penalty, extending CR’s advantage. (Havelocks 17-25 CR)
With just three minutes remaining, Havelocks struck again from a 5-meter scrum. Chathura Dilshan executed a trademark No. 8 break down the blindside, powering over for a crucial try. Jayawickrema calmly slotted the pressure conversion, making it a one-point game. (Havelocks 24-25 CR)
In the dying moments, Havelocks desperately searched for a winning score, but CR held firm, smartly keeping play inside Havies’ half. Their resolute defense secured a hard-fought victory, booking their place in the final against Kandy at Nittawela.
Full Time: Havelock SC 24 (3T,3C,1P) – CR & FC 25 (3T,2C,2P)
- Swisstek Player of the Match: Omalka Gunaratna (CR & FC)
Points Breakdown
Havelock SC 24
Udara Lakshan 1T, Chathura Dilshan 2T, Sandesh Jayawickrama 3C,1P
CR & FC 25
Omalka Gunaratna 2T, Chemod Muthunayake 1T, Mursheed Doray 2C,2P
