Havies have to keep CH at bay
CH&FC became the second team to beat Kandy, who gave in the Dialog Rugby League top position to Havelocks
This is easier said than done as, right now, the CH is on a really hot-streak, having won all five of their second round matches. Success brings in its wake confidence, and the CH are nothing but a confident side at the moment.
Thus the Havies, however good and effective a combination, could be tilting at wind-mills when they scrum down with Ronnie Ibrahims super-confident side at the Race Course today.
The stakes are high for the Park Club. They are currently leading the league table-something that hasn’t happened for many a season. Yet, their stay at the top would be short-lived, if they were to lose this crucial game.
The Havies did beat the Police 35-26 a few days back. But the manner in which the win was achieved did not breed confidence. For much of the game, the fiery Police forwards gave as good as they got. Niroshan Fernando’s game-plan-kick to the corner, take a line out and go from there – was stereo typed. He did meet with a little success but one felt more variety could have been used to outwit the Police defence.
The Havies had two massive performers in that game. The explosive Chamara Dabare is not an unknown quantity. However, the general attacking play of centre Dinuk Amerasinghe, and the fine try he scored, must surely have gladdened the hearts of Havies supporters.
Full back Reza Mubarak was near-flawless with his conversions. What is impressive about him is his air of quiet confidence.
Liston Flatny and Dushmantha Priyadarshana were benched midway in the second half. It may have been precautionary, with the CH game in mind.
The Maitland Crescent Club has a lot going for them right now. They have some barnstorming forwords – Satya Ranathunga, Sajith Saranga, Sudarshan Muthutantri, Nivanka Prasad and Chatura Dilshan come to mind. They are quite flexible when it comes to the number ten. Rohita Rajapakse and Samuel Maduwantha seem to share the burden.
The back line consisting of Nishon and Hirantha Perera, Arunadha Herath and Adam Gauder are just rarin’ to go.
Adam Gauder is an elusive runner who is quick off the mark. More impressive in the Kandy game was his defensive work. The number of tackles he brought off was particularly high.
When alls said and done, the opponents will have to deal with Maduwantha, who has been CH’s go – to – man when it comes to relieving pressure or converting the penalties and kicks at goal.
The Havies just have to win this game and approach the final game against Kandy in confident mode. Does Sanath Martis have anything up his sleeve?