Havelock SC emerged victorious in a high-octane match against Navy SC at the Navy Grounds in Welisara, kicking off the Mastercard Inter-Club Rugby League 2024/25 for these two teams in spectacular fashion. The visitors secured a 43-25 victory, overcoming early challenges and dominating the second half.
The match started with Havelock SC’s winger, Jayathu Rajarathne, scoring the first try of the season in the right-side corner following a beautifully executed maul and back line combination. Full-back Samuel Maduwantha made no mistake with the conversion, giving Havelock an early lead in the game
(HSC 07 – 00 NSC)
Navy SC quickly responded through Isuru Kongahawatta, who slotted a penalty, registering their first points of the season. The home team then capitalized on a handling error by Havelock SC, allowing Dimuth Perera to score their opening try. A successful conversion by their fly-half put Navy in the lead
(HSC 07 – 10 NSC)
Kongahawatta extended Navy’s lead with another well-taken penalty, bringing the score to 13-7. Momentum remained with the home side as Denuwan Wickramarachchi powered through for another try after a brilliant sequence of handoffs. However, the conversion attempt went astray.
(HSC 07 – 18 NSC)
Havelock SC retaliated with a penalty kick from Maduwantha to narrow the deficit to 18-10. Soon after, Janidu Fernando capitalized on a blindside opportunity to score in the far left corner, with Maduwantha adding the extras to make it 18-17. The visitors regained the lead through Kavinda Keshan, whose brilliant try was successfully converted, pushing the score to 24-18.
A dangerous tackle in the air by Navy SC resulted in a yellow card, leaving the home team one player down as the first half concluded with Havelock leading 24-18.
Half time: Navy SC 18 (2T 1C 2P) – Havelock SC 24 (3T 3C 1P)
The second half saw Havelock SC asserting dominance. Five minutes in, Senal Silva crossed the try line near the posts, though Maduwantha missed the conversion, extending the lead to 29-18. Shortly after, Chathura Dilshan bulldozed through the Navy defense to score another try, with Maduwantha converting the try this time
(HSC 36 – 18 NSC)
Jayathu Rajarathne showcased his skill once more with a perfectly timed run and a stunning try in the right corner. Maduwantha’s pinpoint conversion pushed the scoreline furthermore
(HSC 43 – 18 NSC)
Navy SC fought back in the 66th minute with a powerful pick-and-go that ended in a try under the posts, converted with ease by Thilina Weerasinghe, but it was too little, too late.
(HSC 43 – 25 NSC)
Despite a strong first-half performance from Navy, Havelock SC’s second-half surge sealed a convincing victory, setting the tone for their campaign in this year’s league.
Havelock SC will take plenty of positives from their spirited performance as they prepare for their next encounter, while Navy SC will aim to regroup and address the lapses that cost them dearly in the second half.
Full time: Havelock SC 43 (6T 5C 1P) beat Navy SC 25 (3T 2C 2P)
Points Breakdown
- Havelock SC– Jayathu Rajarathna 2T, Janidu Fernando 1T, Chathura Dilshan 1T, Shenal Silva 1T, Kavinda Keshan 1T, Samuel Maduwantha 5C 1P
- Navy SC – Dimuth Perera 1T, Denuwan Wickramarachchi 1T, Isuru Kongahawatta 1C 2P, Thilina Weerasinghe 1C
