Rugby: Army looks good, but Havies have to win

Much is at stake when Havelocks SC engage Army SC in an away game. 

Winning is top priority, but securing the bonus point will also be on the cards. 

The Havies were on a roll for six weekends, before meeting their waterloo at the hands of the reigning champions. 

The week before, they had overcome another title - aspirant - the Navy - in a close game. 

That turned out to be the calm before the storm. 

In truth, there is very little to choose between the top three teams, all of whom will be in action at the same time on Sunday (15). 

The Havies probably got the rough end of the stick in their game at Nittawela. 

Stricter policing by the officials may have titled the scales their way. 

Anyway, all that is so much water under the Mahaweli Bridge. 

Being a well organised team with strength in the pack as well as among the backs, Havies hopes of finishing on top are not unjustified. 

The Navy and Kandy games are still to come. 

Yet, a good showing in today's game will restore faith in the team.   

Dushmantha Priyadarshana, the skipper, is a hardy prop. 

The man beside him, hooker Prasath Madusanka, is good at sniffing out tries. 

He has the knack of being there when it matters. 

The third row of Shenal Deelaka, Sharo Fernando and Lasindu Ishan is one of their strong points. 

They are good at both attack and defence. 

However, Sharo Fernando, a committed player, sometimes tends to end up on the wrong side of the law. 

But there's no mistaking his desire to do his beat for the team. 

The halves combination of Sudham Suriyaarachchi and Niroshan Fernando has worked well. 

The latter brings a certain variety to his game, which can only be beneficial. 

The young stars Dixon and Nishan Perera are talented, but they have to find their way through the opponent's defence. 

Dulaj Perera's work at full back has been special. 

A safe collector, his kicks to touch are long and well calculated. 

However, it is as a kicker that he has made his most singular contribution. 

Tagged, with some Justification, as the unluckiest side in the competition, the Army must be hoping that their luck will change skipper and number eight, Manoj de Silva is invariably among the try scorers. 

His barn-storming type of play typifies Army's game. 

Asoka Jayalal, his predecessor, has also caught the infection. 

Together, they have forced their opponents to retreat, after being put under pressure. 

Locks Nalaka Maduranga and Nishantha Kobbekaduwa are good at scrapping for the ball. 

Their efforts in the lines out should be appreciated. 

All in all, the Army pack is in good shape. 

However, the back division has to improve and build on the good work of the forwards. 

Winger Thusitha Senanayake has been among the try-scorers. 

The other winger Iranga Ariyapala is the danger man as he runs hard and straight and brings his experience into play. 

Gayan Salinda, the full back has to couple his general enthusiasm with greater accuracy in his conversions. 

The Army certainly has a formidable task on their hands. 

They are capable of giving as good as they get. 

However, this game may be a bridge too far.