Havelocks drub Air Force in mud battle
Havelocks were in fine form as they drubbed Air Force 44-16 to record their third win in the ongoing Dialog ‘A’ Division league rugby game at the Air Force ground in Ratmalana yesterday. Havelocks led 21-9 at the breather. Havelocks gained their points through 4 goals, 2 tries and 2 penalties while the Airmen’s points were made up of one goal and three penalties.
A Havelocks player tries to breakthrough the Air Force defence. - Pic by Ranjith Perera.
It turned out to be a muddy game with the recent rains turning the ground into a near mud pit. Havelocks No 8 Jauta Sione opened scoring in the fourth minute and outside half Hirantha Perera made certain of the conversion with the soggy ball. Flanker Shehan Pathirana scored the second try when he received a pass and scored under the posts. Almost immediately Air Force retaliated when Charith Seneviratne put over a 50 meter penalty, almost from the center mark. Havelocks 14. Air Force 3.
Not to be outdone Havelocks scored again through No 8 Jauta Sione and Hirantha Perera was on target with the conversion. Air Force replied with a Charith Seneviratne penalty. Three minutes before ‘lemons’ Charith Seneviratne was on target with a penalty and Havelocks led 21-9.
A ding-dong battle ensued after the re-start and in the 15th minute referee Priyantha Gunaratne awarded a penalty to the Park Club which Hirantha Perera converted. Havelocks scored next through Josh Kaifa, who made a break and scored. Dulaj Perera missed the conversion. Havelocks led 33-9 at this stage.
Soon afterwards Havies fullback Mithun Hapugoda scored a try but Dulaj Perera fluffed with theconversion. Havelocks 38. Air Force 9.
Mithun Hapugoda scored his second try for Havelocks and Dulaj Perera was on target with the conversion, giving the Park Club a clear 45-9 lead.
Three minutes before the end Air Force scored through one of their foreign players Koilagi Vilikega and Charith Seneviratne added the extra points.