Watch out, this might be the title decider
Both Havies and Navy will be keen to turn tables on each other - File pic by Amila Gamage
With every team, barring two, having lost at least once, the game under floodlights between Havelocks SC and Navy SC has all the trappings of a title-deciding clash, even at this stage.
Unbeaten on five wins apiece, the Havies currently head the table with 29 points as against the Navy’s 28. The Sailors have scored six points more than their opponents. Yet the Havies have conceded only 54 points as against the 80 given away by the Navy.
The Havies can boast of more players with experience at national level, but that won’t count for much when up against the Navy, who have made beating teams with big names a fine out.
Roshan Ranasinghe’s team have some big wins, none more prestigious than last week’s toppling of the defending champions. The Kandy SC team prides itself on its sleek, dazzling back division. The Navy met fire with fire, with the speedy Saliya Handapangoda and the amazing talent of youngster Buddhima Piyaratne, hopped off by the experienced, incisive Lee Kegal. These three are bound to put the Havies defence to a severe test. Chanaka Chandimal, at fly, and the roving Richie Dharmapala are also in the mix to cause problems aplenty for the home team.
Skipper Ranasinghe has shown that he can get the players to rally round him when the going gets tough. Returning from injury, Sajith Saranga will be out of the key players for the Welisara team. A player with loads of experience and skill, this former Isipathana College forward can make the difference in a close, hard-fought game.
Among the others who have put their shoulders to the wheel are hooker Dulanjana Wijesinghe, who has been in consistent try-scoring form, lock Supun Peiris and, of course, full back Thilina Weerasinghe, who more often than not, has added the extra points to “keep the wolf from the door.”
Navy’s success thus par is a tribute to their coach Motital Jayatilleke. He did it earlier with Science College, coaching them to stardom. Surprisingly, his talent in this field has gone unnoticed.
The Havies, having won the League a few seasons back under the leadership of Henry Terrance, are hungry for more collectively, they are a good unit, having some standout performances.
Try-happy hooker Prasath Madushanka has the knack of being in the right place, at the right time. Sharo Fernando plays hard and is invariably in the thick of the action. Flanker Sudarshana Muthuthanthri is the jewel in the crown. A thinking player, he is not averse to getting involved in the toughest battles. He enjoyed a fine game against a tough Army side.
The back division almost provides a selection headache. Dulaj Perera, who has shown the possesses a fine boot, can play either as full back or as the fly half. His performance does not seem to suffer. Hard-running Niroshan Perera and fellow Peterite Kevin Dixon combine well and have that youthful enthusiasm. Niroshan Fernando reads the game well and adapts readily. Mithun Hapugoda, another who has recovered from injury, is an asset to the side.
This is a six of one and half a dozen of the other situation. Sticking one’s neck out is hazardous. Yet, I would go for the home team by the tiniest of edges.