CH continue winning streak as Havies suffer defeat

CH and FC player Gauder Adam scores a try

By Shamseer Jaleel

CH & FC 40 points

Havelock SC 33 points

CH & FC continued their winning streak in round 2 of the League when they not only inflicted the second defeat for Havies but also making themlose their grip at the top position by beating them by 40 points (5 tries, 3 conversions, 3 penalties) to 33 (5 tries, 4 conversions) at the Racecourse rugby grounds yesterday.

At the short breather it was the Park Club who led 26/22.

The game was played in good condition for ball handling, with the Havies holding the edge in the early stages of the game with some powerful play by their forwards led by Madushanka. The Havies lost out two of their key players, Sharo Fernando and Dinuk Amarasinghe, both on the injury list. Fajudeen, Dabare and Riza Mubarak stood out for the Park Club while the CH, who took time to recover from a 6 points deficit, played well in the last 50 minutes of the game. They hit back through some powerful forwards play by burly Sathya Ranathunge, Sajith Saranga and their nippy scrum half Sudam Soooriyarachchi, who was in top form. As usual Sanuel Maduwantha’s kicking form was in top condition contributing in 20 points out of the CH & FC’s 40 points.

Samuel Maduwantha drew first blood early in the second minute of the game through a penalty kick, but Havies hit back immediately through Dushmantha Priyadharshana’s try and Riza Mubarak’s conversion. Two more Park club tries through forwards Shawkhat Lahir and Azmir Fajudeen took the Havies in to a clear 19/3 lead. CH & FC lagging behind in the score hit back with two quick tries through Hirantha Perera and Adam Gauder. One more try by Sudam Sooriyarachchi (CH) and Mithun Hapugoda (Havies) took the scores to 26/22 at the short breather,favouring the visitors.

After the turn-around, Samuel Maduwantha’s try and conversion took the CH into a lead 29/26. Sajith Saranga missed a certain try for the home team in the 51st minute of the game when he dropped a sitter which could have given the home team a further 7 point lead. Making use of this costly error, Chamara Dabare scored through a fine cross kick by Riza Mubarak. Two Maduwantha penalties and Sudam Sooriyarachchi tries took the CH through with yet another win in round 2, where they have been unbeaten so far.

(Referee Lawrenze Wilkinson)

With this defeat once again Kandy takes the lead with Havies pushed down to number 2. Both teams will meet at Havelock Park on 16 February under flood lights.

Pic by Chamila Karunarathne

Navy scrapes through

Navy SC 18 points

Air Force 17 points

Navy scraped through to beat the Air Force 18/17 at Welisara yesterday.

At the short breather it was Air Force who led 6/5