Havies survive gritty CH scare
The match saw both teams battle tooth and nail, with Havelocks leading 17-14 at the break. Havies’ star winger Jayathu Rajaratne opened the scoring with a calm and composed try in the 15th minute, converted by flyhalf Sandesh Jayawickrama to take an early 7-0 lead. However, CH&FC responded swiftly after flanker Gimhana Silva capitalised on a quick lineout and touched down in the 29th minute, leveling the score at 7-7 with the successful conversion from flyhalf Dinesh de Silva.
Pic by Eshan Fernando
Minutes later, CH took the lead for the first time. Flanker Udesh Madushanaka found a gap and passed to winger Ramesh Fernando, who raced to the line for a try. With scrumhalf Maliksha Perera’s conversion, the Gymkhana Club went ahead 14-7 in the 34th minute.
But Havelocks fired back after lock Janidu Fernando powered over the try line, and Jayawickrama’s conversion levelled the score at 14-all. A well-executed 50-metre penalty from Jayawickrama just before halftime gave Havelocks a 17-14 advantage.
After the break, CH&FC regained the lead once more. Ramesh Fernando scored his second try in the 49th minute, evading tackles and adding a crucial five points. Perera’s conversion put CH ahead 21-17. But Havelocks weren’t about to give up. Lock Janidu Fernando’s determined run saw him score a try, and though unconverted, it put Havies back in front 22-21.
Havelocks faced adversity when prop Udara Lakshan was yellow-carded in the 65th minute. Still, they pressed on, with Rajaratne scoring his second try in the 74th minute to extend the lead to 27-21. A yellow card to fullback Samuel Maduwantha late in the game left Havelocks down to 13 men, but CH couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity.
In the end, Havelocks held on to secure a hard-fought win, with superior composure and clinical finishing proving the difference in this exciting encounter.