Havelocks may be a handful to bottom of the table Air Force
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The current whipping-boys, the Air Force, entertain the number two team, the Havelocks, at their home base today. Air Force’s form this season has been poor and this could be a tough proposition to break their duck.
The Airmen have several tall, well-built players who play with some passion. Fly half Gayantha Iddamalgoda is their most inspirational player. Whether it is giving out the vital pass, putting the defence under pressure with a tactical kick or even making a conversion that is crucial, Iddamalgoda will always put his hand up.
The experienced Charith Seneviratne takes charge of the kicks and has a fair success rate. Centre Jehan Seelagama has impressive credentials and should be contributing more to Air Force’s cause. Soorya Krishan and full back Rumesh Ramdas have been around for some time and they play with a fair amount of spirit. Forwards such as Rumesh Wasantha, Kaushal Manupriya, Ranidu Padmasanka and Saraka Werella should ‘up’ their work load and help the team to turn the corner.
After the disappointing defeat against Kandy SC, the Havies would certainly welcome a ‘soft’ game. Centres Eshan Ariyapala and Dinuk Amerasinghe strove manfully against Kandy’s formidable opposition. Amerasinghe has not failed to display his prowess weak in and weak out.
Chamara Dabare can be feisty, but is a very combative, determined player at the best of times. He is a regular try scorer.
The Havelocks game plan is to use their forwards as much as possible. Players such as props Dushmantha Priyadarshana and Liston Flatney, hooker Azmir Fajudeen and Sharo Fernando are particularly well-suited for bruising encounters.
Havelocks will be using this game to rebuild confidence, and to stay in touch with Kandy, just in case the champs slip up.