Navy/Havies the pick of the week

Navy are riding high at the top of the league table and will face a stern test to their supremacy when they take on the unbeaten HSC this weekend at Havelock Park.  HSC has a new look team with several established players from other clubs having joined them this season in addition to the rejuvenated club atmosphere and grounds.

There are three teams in the running for the title of league champions this year, a far cry from the years gone by when Kandy dominated the local scene with little or no threat from the other teams. The main goal this year appears to be to challenge the reign of Kandy at the top and Navy almost did it last year.

As fate would have it Navy/HSC and Kandy are yet to face one another and these games will be worked off this weekend and in the coming weeks with the grand finale on 4 August when the sailors take on Kandy.

As a rugby purist you cannot fault anyone for the way the schedule is drawn up as this week Kandy will meet CR. In the years gone by, this would have been a blockbuster as well. Alas the fortunes of CR have changed in the last year or so and this year they are struggling to stay afloat and avoid relegation at the knock out stage.

The sailors have played some quality rugby this year and with the additional bolstering of their fire power courtesy of two expats, have been a force to be reckoned with. They have demolished with ease all opposition placed before them and their three quarters are looking awesome. To this, if one adds the heavyweights in the forwards, there is a nice blend of weight and mobility in the team.

The Havies on the other hand have played some equally good rugby with a great interaction between the forwards and the three quarters. Whilst they have notched up some good scores against all opposition, there have been times, when they have let their guard down and fluffed a number of scoring opportunities. This is something that they need to guard against if they are to drown the sailors.

All in all it will be a blockbuster and with several VIPs slated to watch this fascinating battle, I would suggest that you get down to the park early for the usual pat down and other clearances. For the unfortunate few that will not be able to make it, I am advised that the match will be telecast live.

As indicated before, CR will meet Kandy in the hills, and Kandy should run riot against a young and depleted CR side. Kandy will be keen to get the bonus points as well as there could be a three way tussle for the title of league champions.

CH will take on the Army at Maitland Crescent and Army should win this at a canter. Whilst Army is in the sixth position this week, they have gained the highest number of bonus points indicating that their margin of losses has been very small. Their loss last week was controversial and for those who watched the telecast, you will agree that the Army was robbed of a victory thanks to some incompetent officials.

Police are in the fourth slot and will have drawn a bye this week and will face up with Army in the following week. Nawalapitya will see some rugby again this week after last week’s controversy as the UCL play host to Air Force. UCL should have it easy this week even without any bungling officialdom.

I believe that with three crucial games coming up in the next three weeks, there has been a request to have an expatriate referee to officiate at these matches. Whether the governing body will accede to this request is yet to be seen. Whilst I am a firm believer that local referees must be given an opportunity officiate in key games, the dismal performance last week has made me rethink this once again. One must also remember the chaos created in the first leg of the Bradby.

On the Super Rugby front, the play offs begin with the Crusaders taking on the Bulls in Christchurch, whilst the Reds who are the defending champs will take on the Sharks in Brisbane. The Reds will be without their Wallaby playmaker, Quade Cooper who is serving a one-week ban for a high tackle on Waratah’s Berrick Barnes is the previous weeks clash. Both these games are on Saturday, whilst the Navy/HSC game is on Sunday and thus your weekend menu of quality rugby promises to be delectable.

(The writer can be reached via [email protected].)