Havies, CR and Navy – exhibit championship potential
Action between Air Force and CR 'B' - Pic by Amila Gamage
The usual threesome – the Havies, CR and Navy – exhibited championship potential on the first day of the Inter-Club Rugby Sevens at the Race Course.
With all the participating clubs choosing to split their players up by putting forward two teams, there were some one-sided matches.
Navy and the CR were responsible for the highest total (59-nil) at the expense of Peterson SC and Police ‘B’ respectively. Petersons have taken the place of the champions Kandy SC.
In a battle of the B teams, the Air Force had things their own way winning 36-nil against the Police.
The lowly CH, desperately seeking a reversal of fortunes, had a good first half against the Army (5-7). They did add another try in the second half, but the Army ran out 21-12 winners.
The best match of the day was the one between traditional rivals Havelocks and CR. The Park Club led 12-0 at the break. But the CR had a good showing in the second half and won 17-12. Mohammed Sashan, Tarindra Ratwatte and Kavindu Perera played important roles in this win.
Navy’s hopes rest with players such as Buddima Piyaratne, Thilina Weerasinghe and Mohammed Absal. The latter crossed over from the Police in the off season. Piyaratne, a real flier was the cynosure of all eyes.
It was good to see Dulaj Perera back in action for the Havies. Kevin Dixon, one of the best Sevens players around, tried hard to stem the rot. But to no avail. With Nishon Perera, Sudam Parinda and Chamara Dabare in their ranks, the Havies should be serious challengers.
RESULTS
Group A: Navy A 38 – CH and FC 5; Petersons 22 – CH 14; Navy 59 – Petersons 0.
Group B: Air Force 29 – CR ‘B’ 10; Police ‘A’ 21 – CR ‘B’ 17; Police ‘A’ 21 – Air Force ‘A’ 7.
Group C: Navy ‘B’ 17 – CH ‘A’ 7; Army 7 – Navy ‘B’ 5; Army 21 – CH 10.
Group D: Havelocks 31 – Air Force ‘B’ nil; CR and FC 59 – Police ‘B’ nil; CR and FC 35 – Air Force “B’ nil; Havelocks 47 – Police ‘B’ 5; CR and FC 17 – Havelocks 12, Air Force ‘B’ 36 – Police ‘B’ nil.
The tournament continues today with the first match scheduled for 12 noon.