Havies begin campaign with thumping win
Havelocks made a strong statement as one of the top contenders eyeing the SLR-Mastercard Club Rugby League 2024 title, thumping Navy SC by 43-25 at Welisara yesterday. Havies, who finished overall third last season, led the halftime by 24-18 and made up their points from six tries, five conversions and a penalty. The Sailors, who attempted a late retaliation after Havelocks were brought down to 13 men during the final phase of the game, had to complete their mission with a tally of three tries, two conversions and two penalties.
Star fullback Samuel Maduwantha accounted for 16 points from the total for the winners with his contribution coming from a try, four conversions and a penalty while winger Jayathu Rajaratne crashed down to score two tries, the game’s first and final, to help Havies record a heavy win.
With the last two outings ending in favour of Havelocks, who defeated the Sailors 39-26 in the league, and by a smashing 55-5 in the knockouts, Saliya Kumara’s men made it clear that they are on a well focused hunt. At the same time they would also have to overcome teething issues, with the three yellow cards received during the start of the second half and the crucial final stages of the game, where they were forced to defend instead of marching forward. The Sailors on the other hand, could be contended with their approach in the opening game, and for rising up at opportunities to favour their final tally.
Havies wasted very little time when winger Rajaratne crashed in the second minute for a try, as Maduwantha put over to conversion to give their side an early 7-0 lead. But the Sailors changed the course of the game during the next 20 minutes or so, by scoring from two tries off Dimuth Perera and Denuwan Wickramarahchi and a conversion and two penalties from Isuru Kongahawatte to score all the 18 points they would claim in the first half.
Slowly but surely, Havelocks crept through, scoring two tries, one each from Janindu Fernando and Kavind Keshan, and a penalty and two conversions from Maduwantha, as they added 17 points to their tally and surpass Navy at halftime score by 24-18.
Even with 14 men following a yellow card, Havelocks made crucial breakthroughs to completely stun the Sailors and score back-to-back tries in the 46th and 48th minutes from Senal Deelaka and Maduwantha to help swell their total. With Maduwantha’s successful conversion to his own try, Havies were commanding the game by 36-18. Rajaratne returned to action in the 63rd minute to complete a well-executed three-quarter move, which gave a difficult angle for Maduwantha to add extra points, as Havies took their lead to 43-18.
They were seeking for more openings to add more points to their tally, but the Sailors were smart enough to force Havies to commit errors, one after another as they came to a point of lowing two of their key players by the 75th minute. This was after the Sailors worked collectively to form a maul and give Denuwan Wickramarachchi the opportunity to score a try, handing an easy position for fullback Thilina Weerasinghe to make the conversion.
The Sailors went on with their onslaught, but even with 13 men Havelocks manage to thwart all their moves and hold to the end, until referee Raveen Alexander blew the long whistle.