Havies get another title shot, but against the unpredictable Airmen
The Air Force who have upset all calculations by reaching today’s Clifford Cup final against the Havelocks, would do well to remember that one swallow does not make a summer;
They were Lucky beyond measure that they didn’t have to engage the champions, Kandy SC, who pulled out for reasons best known to them. If the match had indeed been played. It is a fair bet that the Champions would have won. This is not forgetting the stupendous upset that the Airmen brought off two seasons ago.
Granted a stay of execution, the Air Force now finds itself up against the second best team in the league. Beating the police in the semi final 32-23 was no mean achievement, as the law-enforcers had played some fine rugby throughout the league. They even led the Havies 28-0 at the break, but the latter indulged in a second half blitz to upend the Police
Aruna Perera, the scrum half, was the Man of the Match in the Police game. The award was thoroughly deserved, Fly half Ishara Madushanka, Centre Jero Dhananjaya and Lock Thilina Bandara played outstandingly well against the Police.
Conventional wisdom has it that you shouldn’t change a winning team. Viewed in this light, dynamic fly half Jayantha Iddamalgoda (who was suspended for one game) may have to sit this one out. However, Iddamalgoda is too seasoned and cleaver player to be sidelined for long. The Air Force selection committee will have a long think on this matter.
Charith Seneviratne put over nearby all the conversions that come his way. His kicking was very good. The down-side is that he doesn’t play the entire game. The Air Force last entered a rugby final many moons ago. This it will be a rewarding experience for all concerned if the “up starts” can mow down the Havies.
The Havies showed in their run-away 60-29 win over the Army that when they are on song, they are well-knit on stoppable. It would go against the grain to single out three players in what was, overall, a thoroughly accomplished performance. Winger Chamara Dabare did some breath-taking runs and scored twice. He was also resolute in defense.
Scrum half Mithun Hapugoda gave a dazzling display. The solitary try he scored was not a just reward for his sterling efforts. Reza Mubarak’s kicking was unerringly accurate. He was able to contribute 18 points with his best, and also score a try with some smart back-up play.
Centre Theekshana Dissanaike and Keshan Kavinda (a Peterite-Josephian combination) the opportunity to produce an eye catching display. Number eight Lasindu Ishan was in the thick of things and made it his business to take on the busting Army players.
The Havies were up against a good side in the semi final and showed, by their display, that they are really focused on going all the way. Their handling was good and the manner in which they supported the ball-carrier was exemplary. They looked a well tuned outfit. It would indeed be a surprise if they don’t go the whole hog.
Lahiru Udayanga captain of Air Force and Nirosha Fernando, captain of Havelocks with the Clifford Cup