Havies run amok at Racecourse
View(s):What was expected to be a thrilling encounter winded up as a one-sided affair as Havelocks thrashed CH&FC by 38-15 in a Cup segment match of Nippon Paints Club Rugby League 2022 at the Racecourse yesterday.
Havies were commanding yesterday - Pic by M.A. Pushpakumara
CH made a healthy start, but failed to keep up the momentum throughout the game, as Havies romped to victory with a tally of six tries and four conversions, while holding on to a 19-15 lead at halftime. Still failing to live up to their true potential, despite having a star-studded lineup, CH scored from two tries, a conversion and a penalty.
Fullback Avantha Lee took matters to the hand just a couple of seconds after the kickoff to open scoring, as flyhalf Rohitha Rajapaksa put over the try to take an early lead of 7-0. Three minutes later, they flummoxed Havies with another try off centre Janindu Dilshan, which went unconverted, putting them on top.
But Havies, as shrewd and tactful as they are known to be, gradually capitalised the game in set plays. Flyback Damian Ratwatte was the first to score for Havies in the 10th minute, and flyhalf Santhush Algama’s conversion brought them back into the game. Centre Nishon Perera retaliated with an unconverted try, to level the scores 12-all in the 25th minute. Nipul Atukorale’s try in the 32nd minute put Havies in the lead as they led the halftime 19-12 after Ratwatte’s conversion.
As during the first half, CH was first to score after the turnaround, through a penalty from Rajapaksa, which took their score to 15. That was all the hosting side could do to impress themselves, as Havies went on a rampage to complete a commanding win. Centres Randitha Warnapura and Christian de Lile and fullback Ratwatte scored a try each as Ratwatte was successful in two of the three conversions.