Havies through in the nick of time
CR had to lose for the third week running - Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
CR&FC could have closed this game off against Havelocks in the first round of the Dialog Rugby League Championship played yesterday at Longdon Place. But fortune was never in their court, as Havelocks bundled up the game at 35points -30points in the end.
Two yellow cards in the eighth minute and the 35th of the second half for dangerous play coupled with some erratic moves gave the advantage to Havelocks, who led the halftime 19-13.
The Havies came in as obvious favourites, having lost only one match in the preceding five weeks while coming into this week’s game despite CR having the home advantage.
However, it turned to be a battle for being supreme in terms of the encounter being played for over 90 years. Havelocks scored from five tries, two conversions and three penalties while CR came close with a tally of three tries, two conversions and three penalties.
Havelocks kicked off, gained possession and worked the threes for centre Nishon Perera to touch down in the second minute. Dulaj Perera added the extra points, as Havelocks led 7-0.
CR scored in the 12th minute through flanker Gayan Dilshan, the conversion was made by Tarinda Ratwatte, 7-7. Havies try scorer Nishon Perera had to leave the field with an injury and was substituted. Havelocks were penalised in the 20th minute and Ratwatte kicked though for CR lead 10-7.
A series of moves saw Havelocks scoring in the 22nd minute through prop Prasad Madushanka, as Perera failed with the kick. They led 12-7. Then the Havies worked themselves into the CR 22 around the 30th minute but the Reds took advantage of a penalty for incorrect entry. CR kicked and were awarded a line out five metres from the Havelocks’ line as the visitors were penalised for side entry. CR worked the forwards and pushed to Havelocks ‘five’ but were blown for no release. CR failed to regroup, allowing Havelocks to kick deep and off the ensuring play Havelocks No.8 Lasindu Karunathilleke to touch down. Perera made no mistake from an angle close to the touch line for Havelocks to lead 19-13 at which point the break was taken.
Immediately on the resumption Park Club boys were penalised for incorrect entry and Ratwatte put over and CR were trailed 16-19. Seven minutes late CR prop Gayan Jayasekera was shown to the bin for a dangerous tackle.
In the 19th minute lock Chanaka Bandara picked from the base to score but conversion was missed by Perera and Havelocks extended the lead 24-16. In the 25th minute Havelocks Rukmal Fernando stole possession to set outside half Niroshan Fernando to score. Despite the conversion going astray, the Havies extended the lead to 29-16.
In the 17th minute repeated infringements by Havelocks on their 5metre line prompted referee Dinka Peiris to award a penalty try to CR, which helped reduce the gap for CR 23-29. CR took the lead in the 29th minute when the ball was sent down the line from inside Havelocks 22 for winger Reeza Refaideen to score by the corner and Ratwatte made good a conversion from a difficult angle. CR led 30-29 to unwind the nerves of players as well as the spectators. CR were penalised a bit later. The kick by Perera from 30 metres went awry but in the 35th minute he kicked a penalty correct for a high tackle from 50 metres out to give back Havelocks the lead 32-30. As the battle intensified CR prop Kokila Sambandapperuma was shown the yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Havies kicker Perera put over the penalty and the final whistle was blown signaling a win for Havelocks by 35-30. With one more week and a game against unbeaten Kandy next week the Park Club kept their title chances alive.