Havelocks and Navy set for thrilling showdown

Friday, 19 December 2014 01:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel Some top-class rugby can be expected to be dished out by both Navy and Havelocks when they lock horns in one of their first round inter-club league rugby encounters at the Havelock Sports Club on 20 December. This will be the Sailors last first round game and at present they are placed behind Kandy. Havies are packed with some outstanding players but they should get their act together if they are to pull off a win against Navy. They have Mohamed Sheriff, Sandun Herath, Mithun Hapugoda, Shehan Pathirana and Sudharshan Muthuthanthri in their ranks, all of whom are national players. At present Havies occupy the third slot with one more game to come their way against the Hambantota Sharks away in Beliatte. While Navy, who are captained by Yoshitha Rajapaksa, will know that dropping a game could mean the end of their league hopes. They will come out with their best outfit, with playmakers Stefano and Srinarth Sooriyabandara returning to the side after being rested last week. This game will be controlled by New Zeander Garret Williamsons This week’s matches will kick off today at Beilatte when the Hambantota Sharks host Sri Lanka Army. At present Army are placed sixth and the Sharks seventh. This should be a close affair with the odds favoring the Soldiers. This encounter will be controlled by Pradeep Fernando. The traditional encounter between the two oldest clubs CH&FC and CR&FC will take place on 21 December at Longden Place. After their last weekend defeat at the hands of Kandy, the Red Shirts will be all out to bounce back with a win. Imthisam Marrikar’s boys fared extremely badly with some poor play. CH&FC are yet to make their mark in the current league as they languish at number 8, just one position ahead of Sri Lanka Air force, who are last. This encounter will be handled by Paul Mackay. On the same day Police, who are placed at number 4, should have things their own way against Sri Lanka Air Force at Police Park. The game will see Garret Williamsons handling things in the middle. Kandy, who are leading at present, will have one week off before they travel down to Colombo to meet CH&FC on 3 January for their last first round game. Their overseas player Koto Pongi from Tonga will arrive in time for this game.