Havies make amends for their last week’s crash
Havies hooker Prabath Madushanka touches down amidst slippery conditions and downpour - Pic by Amila Gamage
Coming freshly out from their bitter experience against CH&FC last weekend, Havelocks did what they are best at by clinically overcoming Army SC 27-8 in their second round match of the Dialog Rugby League played at Havelock Park under lights yesterday.
After leading 10-8 at halftime, the Havies worked brilliantly, by not overdoing things to end up with a tally of three converted tries, a penalty and a drop goal. The Soldiers fought well, but had to be contended with an unconverted try and a penalty, both scored in the first half.
Havelocks intention to secure the second slot and Army’s attempt to rise from the sixth position proposed a rousing game of rugby. It did start off well and continued till it rained in the second half before damned the prospects of the few spectators who turned out to the park.
The game started off with army attacking with the kick off but in the fifth minute referee Irshad Cader threw a yellow card to Army centre Sameera Bulathsinhala for a dangerous tackle. Following the opportunity given, Havelocks marched past the Army defence and hooker Azmir Fajudeen who used his experience from the rolling maul of Royal College fame to roll over. Riza Mubarak added the extra points for the hosts to lead 7-0. Army was penalised in the 24th minute and Mubarak put through a penalty to extend the lead 10-0. In the 28th minute Havelocks winger Vimukthi Rahula was penalised for stamping and a yellow card was shown. Army fullback Gayan Salinda kicked the penalty as they trailed 3-10.
Army came alive in the 38th minute with the ball changing hands and with a bit of extra attack hooker Asoka Jayalal managed to touch down by the corner flag, but Gayan Salinda missed the conversion. With that the Soldiers gained momentum despite falling behind by a slender two points as Havelocks led 10-8 at halftime.
After the turnaround the game became open in all respects with both sides willing to run and pass wide. But the rains beat in around the 15th minute slowing down progress.
In the 20th minute of the second half Havelocks No.8 Lasindu Ishan broke off to score and Mubarak added extra points to help Havelocks move ahead 17-8. Five minutes later veteran fullback Mubarak, who is still in good nick, kicked a drop goal through and Havelocks lead extended to 20-8.
Moments later Havelocks lost their flanker Gehan Madushan to the bin for a late tackle. With erratic passes, slippery fingers and rain, slowing down the pace of the game, Havelocks were pressing inside the Army territory to create an opening for hooker Prabath Madushanka to touch down. Mubarak added the extra points 27-8 as Havelocks took away the Pakhtuns Trophy having won both legs of the League.