Havelocks’ have or not to have against the Army poser
The Havies, one of two unbeaten teams in this year’s Rugby League Tournament, have an interesting game today against the Army at the latter’s ground.
Havelocks and Navy will not have it easy against Army and Police today - File pic
The defeat of the CR&FC by 34-18 has been the best performance by the Park Club thus far. Last weekend’s game against the Air Force which the Havelocks won by 26-13 points, conveys the impression that the game was mighty close. Not so, because the league aspirants always had something in reserve.
Dhanushka Ranjan is the player to look out for in the Havies side. A proven try-scorer, he excelled in the Rugby Asiad and has carried that form into this tournament.
He limped off in the second half of the Air Force game and, thereafter, the Havies seemed benefit of inspiration and magic.
Rahul de Silva and Samantha Lakshan form a good halves combination. Skipper Sandun Herath, on the wing, brooks no stopping on his way to the line.
Yet, surprisingly, for a club that boasts so many high-profile players, Havies have only touched down on 12 occasions in their four games. Something seems to be rotten in the State of Denmark!
Their opponents, the Army, have won two and lost two. Last two they were beaten 8-44 by the defending champions, Kandy SC. They provided something more than soft opposition.
However, the difference in class became more and more obvious the longer the game lasted.
Prop and skipper, Asoka Jayalal, tries to lead from the front. Fed well by link-man Rizvi Mohamed, fly-half Ashan Bandara does a capable job.
The Ariyapala brothers Imanka and Dinusha, who occupy the centre berths, are nippy and need close attention. Full back Gayan Salinda, usually a reliable place kicker, wasn’t exactly on fire in the Kandy game.
The Soldiers look up to him for those extra points. On balance, with their superior personnel, the Havies should pull this off.
Darshana Perera’s Navy side having suffered an embarrassing departure of senior players has not looked a title winning side. To add to their woes, there was the brouhaha concerning Sajith Saranga and Dinusha Chaturanga in the first week.
At their best, the Sailors can provide formidable opposition. Among the outsides, they have experienced players such as Lee Keegal and Saliya Handapangoda.
Sajith Saranga and Yoshitha Rajapaksa stand out in the pack with the assembled talent. They should be performing much better.
Their defeat to the Army (17-18) through a last-minute try by the rival skipper Jayalal, has, probably taken some time to live down.
Placed fourth in the table, they have the most-touch-downs, after Kandy SC. This home-ground encounter is one they can win. But it will not be served on a platter.
Perish the thought that the Police’s fitness is suspect. The fact, however, is that the law-enforcers invariably have a good first half before falling behind in the second.
A few of their players have tended to be too boisterous and paid the penalty. In all probability, Sharo Fernando, who earned a red card against Kandy, will continue to sit this game out, too.
Scrum half Mohamed Abzal had a good game at his position. Mohamed Sheriff is the danger-man with his experience, turn of speed and reading of the situation, he can make a big difference. But he will be a marked man.
Riza Mubarak and Chula Susantha are two others who can change a game. The latter will be playing against his former-mates. One gets the impression that a couple of players are not putting hundred percent for the club.
If that is so, coach Laga cannot do very much. Commitment to the cause is all.