Slight edge for Havies at the Park

Mithun Hapugoda played a major role in Havies 

second half performances

Yakoob Ali coming in the later half produced some fantastic forwards play

Inter Club Rugby League 2019

By Shamzeer Jaleel

Inter Club Rugby league will come to an end this weekend when table leaders, Havelock Sports Club lock horns with the defending champions, Kandy Sports Club who are sitting at number 2 position. This final encounter which will be played on 3 March at the Park will be vital for both teams with the winner taking home the trophy. If the game ends in a draw then it will be the Park Club who will safe keep the trophy after long overdue. At present Havies lead the table with 77 points followed by Kandy with 75 points.

Havies performed exceptionally well this season when many wrote them off. Martis took the young blood in to a champion outfit when many left the Park Club to join CR & FC and CH & FC this season. They lost out nearly eight of the seniors. Led by Niroshan Fernando and ably supported by AjmirFajudeen, Riza Mubarak, Sharo Fernando and MithunHapugoda all stood out for them. The pick for the Park club players being Riza,Sharo and Mithun. Mithun displayed quality attacking rugby in the later half which helped many wins for the Park Club this year. Riza Mubarak, with his accuracy in kick at goal and territorial advantage as given the Park Club the much needed advantage to attack from the opposition half.

Meanwhile Kandy will be under pressure playing in Colombo in a must win game after dropping down to Havies, CH & FC and Army this season. Home teams defeat to the Soldiers being very costly for them losing out on their number 1 position plus from hosting a home final at Nittawela. Their strong supporters will be sad needing to travel down to Colombo in a must win game.

They will be happy with the return of their star and crack number 8, BuwanakaUdangamuwa who is expected to return for this encounter. Yakoob Ali, Sayuru Anthony and Shehan Pathirana are star players from the Up Country camp. Their three quarter line being the strength for Kandy. Ranjan, Lavanga, Nigel, Richard and Thilina will need to be at their best in one final game which will decide the fate of the league. Havies looks stronger in their forward line while Kandy holds the edge in the three quarter line. On kicking Riza Mubarak is way ahead than ThilinaWijesinghe who will need to be consistent in his kick at goal.

Referee Charlie Brown (Singapore)

Meanwhile Navy and Air Force will battle it out to avoid the last place. In the same segment Army holds the edge over the Cops which will decide the fate of the Plate trophy.

CH & FC and CR & FC will battle it out for pride but there will be no change in the rankings as CH & FC already gained enough points to be in number 3 over CR & FC who will end on Number 4.

Soon after the completion of the league this week-end Clifford Cup knock out will kick start with the games being played in Colombo and Kandy. If Kandy reaches the final this encounter will be played at Pallekelle.  



March 1

Navy SC v Air Force SC at Welisara

Referee Justin Wang



March 2

Army SC v Police SC at Welisara

Referee Justin Wang



March 2

CH & FC v CR & FC at Racecourse

Referee Charlie Brown



March 3

Havelock SC v Kandy SC at Havelock Park

Referee Charlie Brown