Kandy continues rugby dominance with win over Havies

Sandesh Jayawickrema of Havies break through 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending League champions, Kandy Sports Club maintained their high standard of running rugby when they put an end for the unbeaten run of Havelock Sports Club by 22 points (3 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty) to 15 points (2 tries, 1 conversion, 1 penalty) win in at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday. This was the last home game for Kandy in the league.

At the short breather Kandy led 5/3.

The game was even in the first half where the Havies never gave any space to the fast running Kandy three-quarter line who were always kept under check. Kandy though got three possible try scoring opportunities missed all of them due to the excellent defence by the Park Club. 

In territory Kandy had a major share but they could not convert in to points and put pressure on the visitors. In the second half Kandy cut loose to score two quick tries which put the Havies on the back foot. Though in the later part of the game Havies made bold moves but it was too late for them to beat the champion side.

For the Park Club, Mithun Hapugoda, Azmeer Fajudeen, Lasindu Karunathilake, Ramesh Fernando and Sandesh Jayawickrema were outstanding while for Kandy SC, skipper Nigel Ratwatte, Tharinda Ratwatte, Roshan Weeraratna and Srinarth Sooriyabandara stood out.

Havies drew first blood early in the second minute of the game through Sandesh Jayawickrema penalty. Kandy after making several attempts to cross the Havies’ try line succeeded at last through Buddhima Piyaratne.

After the turn around injured Lavanga Perera of Kandy SC was replaced by dashing Dinushka Dange while Havies brought in Mithun Hapugoda. The sevens sensation of the Park Club was above average in attack splitting Kandy defence all over. His dancing and ghosting moves were a major threat for Kandy.

Kandy scored their first second half try through big made Heshan Silva. Tharinda Ratwatte added the extras. Soon afterwards it was Roshan Weeraratne who dummied his way for their second try. Tharinda Ratwatte was once again on target with the kick at goal. Havies cut the deficit through Lasindu Karunathilake who touched down through a forward’s rush. 

Tharinda Ratwatte increased the lead through another 30-meter penalty. Havies had time for one more try through Ramesh Fernando. Sandesh Jayawickrema was on target with the kick at goal. The Park Club too played super brand of rugby but Kandy was a yard faster than them yesterday.

 Referee Priyantha Gunaratne handled the game very well.

Kandy SC ended round 1 on 40 points with Park Club collecting 34 points. Meanwhile Kandy SC will have all of their second round Cup encounters away in Colombo. They will play Police SC, CH and FC and Havelock SC all away in steamy Colombo which could be a major threat as the Park Club could make a comeback in their return game.