It was a tale of two halves at Havelock Park yesterday. After being restricted to just a five point lead at half time, CR and FC cut loose in the second half to record a comprehensive 32 points (two goals, three tries and a penalty) to 5 (one try) triumph over Havelocks in their Segment ‘A’ Caltex league second round rugby match yesterday. In the process CR and FC retained the Commander Eustace Mathysz memorial trophy for yet another year.
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Reds on the rampage at Havelock Park. Pic by Ranjith Perera. |
Much was expected in this match between the two traditional rivals. More so this time than in recent years as Havelocks have performed well above expectations this season. Possession and territory was shared in the first 20 minutes. The home side defended almost as if their collective lives depended on the outcome of the game. Following a series of penalties CR and FC’s stand off Ashan De Costa crossed over the line. Full back Reza Mubarak missed the conversion. Almost off the restart Havelocks hit back when lanky wing three quarter Wasim Thajudeen touched down by the right corner flag. On the stroke of half time an individual piece of brilliance by CR and FC’s centre Mohommad Sheriff saw the visitors take a slender lead at lemons.
Sheriff’s performance seemed to galvanize CR and FC who were minus a few regulars due to injury including top try scorer this season Dushantha Lewke. The Red Shirts launched a wave of attacks on the Havelocks try line. CR and FC dominated possession and territory in the second half and were only thwarted from scoring more by a resolute Havelocks defence that stuck to their task until the final whistle.
CR and FC’s persistence paid dividends with tries by wing three quarter Dinesh Kumara, centre Niroshan Karunanayake and flanker Pavithra Fernando. Sheriff converted two of the tries and also put over a penalty.
In the face of the onslaught by the Red Shirts, Wasim Thajudeen got sin binned for a high tackle. The two facts that came out of the game were that CR and FC are serious title challengers and Havelocks will not be easy to beat at home despite the final score line.
Referee – Pradeep Fernando
Yellow Cards – Wasim Thajudeen (Havelocks)
Tomorrow defending champions Kandy will meet Police at Police Park. Kick off at 4.30pm. |