Spectators attending the Caltex Segment A Inter Club rugby match between Army and Havelocks were in for a shock following the game. Police had closed the roads due the International India Film Awards being held at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Thus one had to walk beyond the Hilton to catch a bus/three wheeler home.
As for the match itself, like a couple of matches played earlier in the season it was a tale of two halves. After being held to a twelve all deadlock, Army turned on their speed in the second half to record a 31 points (three goals and two tries) to 12 (one goal and one try) victory over the Park lads.
Army opened the scoring when flanker Nishan Karunathilake touched down. He was followed by prop M. Meepage. Veteran stand off now playing as full back Kapila Knowlton, goaled one of the tries that was scored.
Havelocks hit back with a vengeance. Flanker Sumith Jagoda and prop Jayantha Ranaweera touched. Stand off Sajith Bandara goaled one of the tries to deadlock the score board.
Army’s flying winger Saliya Handapanagoda scored the first his two tries in the second half. Fellow wing three quarter Sanjeewa Hambagaskumbura also touched down with Knowlton converting two tries.
Referee: Pradeep Fernando
Chaos at the start
There was a bit of chaos at the start. When we tried to take our vehicle in we were politely told that civilian vehicles had not yet been authorized to enter the premises at Galle Face. Ahead of us Assistant Coach of Haverlocks and former Sri Lankan scrum half Leonard De Zilwa after a futile argument with the authrotities, went and parked his vehicle at the World Trade Centre premises and hiked back to the grounds from there. |
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