Havies overcome gutsy Airmen
Havies are going through a crucial season - Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
Havelock Sports Club withstood a fierce challenge from Sri Lanka Air Force to emerge victorious by 16 points (two tries, two penalties) to 11 (one try, two penalties) in the Dialog ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament match played at Ratmalana yesterday. After a fierce battle the game was wide open as both teams were leveled 3-all at the ‘breather’.
Entering to the last five minutes of the match, Havies had a comfortable lead of 13-6. Air Force winger Ishara Madushan touched down near the right corner flag but reserve player Nuwan Perera missed the conversion, which would have been vital to level the scores 13-all. But with the failed kick the Airmen, Havies enjoyed a 13-11 lead.
During the last minute, the visitors sealed the victory as fullback Prince Chamara put over a 20-metre penalty to give Havelocks a jubilant moment with a 16-11 win, their second consecutive victory of the season.
After the kickoff at 3.50pm, Air Force kicker Gayantha Iddamalgoda opened scoring in the ninth minute, putting over a 35-metre penalty to take lead 3-0. The Airmen put up a rock solid defence, preventing the visitors from breaching.
Just before the ‘lemons’, players of both teams were engaged in a verbal battle and referee Gihan Yatawara had to intervene to settle matters.
Fijian player, James Tuteovuya, the centre of Air Force, and No.8 Saraka Weralla together played a key role to hold the Havelocks forwards from scoring freely.
After the ‘breather’, in the 48th minute, Havies lock forward Umesha Madushan scored a pick and go try to put his team in the lead 8-3. The ‘Pink Shirt’ fullback Chamara missed the conversion.
Air Force place kicker and outside half, burly Gayantha Iddamalgoda again put over a 35-metre penalty as the home team reduced the deficit as 8-6 in the 51st minute.