CH shock Havies

Charitha Silva of CH on attack with support coming in from Janidu Dilshan 

•  CH and FC 20 points against Havelock SC 13 points

By Shamseer Jaleel

CH and FC registered their first win this season when they overcame a spirited Havelock SC outfit by 20 points (2 tries, 2 conversions, 2 penalties) to 13 points (2 tries, 1 penalty) win in their Nippon Paint Inter Club Major Rugby League 2023/2024 encounter which was played under lights at Havelock Park last night.

At the short breather, CH led 7/0.

The game was played under tough conditions for both sides as ball handling was a nightmare not only for the forwards but also for the three quarters as well. Further to this Havies line out was in a mess going for long throws and losing out on the attacking opportunities. 

CH full back, Hirusha Sampath had a grand outing both in attack as well in defence. His kick to touch in gaining territory plus the penalty and conversion kicks under difficult conditions was a treat to watch. Havies played well in the later half with Janith Chandimal gaining some valuable territory for the Park Club to attack at CH but he made a mess of an obvious pass which was intercepted by CH which changed the entire game favouring the visitors. Havies missed a penalty in the 14th minute by Samuel Maduwantha. CH hit back on stroke of half time through a forwards rush when Gihan Madushanka touched down. Hirusha Sampath added the extra 2 points to take the short breather at 7 to nothing.

Soon after the turn around, Havies put over a penalty by Samuel Maduwantha to cut the deficit to 4 points. Both teams lost a player for Yellow offence in the next 5 minutes of the game. Havies after some brave moves scored through burly prop forward, Janindu Fernando. Janith Chandimal missed an easy conversion.

A few minutes later CH scored through an intercepted pass which saw replacement fly half, Dinesh de Silva dashing nearly 60 meters to touch down under the posts. Ever reliable Hirusha Sampath added the extras to take the scores to 17/8. Another Sampath penalty too, took the game away further from Havies.

Havies who never gave up attacked in several phases to touch down through Janith Chandimal and opted not to take the conversion kick as time was running against their comeback. Havies though attacked in several phases knocked on the ball 20 meters away from the CH try line.

Referee Hasantha Weranga