A juvenile yet skillful bunch of rugby player will don the Havelock Sports Club jersey in the upcoming Dialog Rugby League 2015/16 with only one hope, winning the coveted trophy.
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With a proud history of 100 years, the Havelock Sports Club lifted the Dialog Rugby League in 2012 under Henry Terrence’s leadership ending the Kandy reign in style. Before that they were the kings of local rugby arena way back in 1981.
Last year, Sudharshan Muthuthantri led Havelock Sports Club to the 3rd place after being in the title race until the penultimate week before losing to ultimate champions, Kandy Sports Club by 22-20 points in a nail-biting encounter at Havelock grounds. They had a forgettable outing in the knockout championship when they lost to Police Sports Club by 33-20 points in the quarter-finals.
Key Players
Star wing-three quarter Sandun Herath has been given the responsibility of leading the Havelocks outfit in their centenary year. His immense potential and the bucket-load of experience will have to pay evident for a successful season.
Currently the best Sri Lankan center, Danushka Ranjan will be the go-to man for the Havelock Sports Club this year as well. After recovering from a knee injury in 2013, Ranjan has not looked back. The all-round accomplished 22-year old former Peterite will be main man in the ‘Park Club’ back line.
The new Sri Lanka 7s captain and best conditioned forward in the current club circuit, Sudarshan Muthuthanthri will be itching to make his mark this season from the number 8 jersey. His power runs from loose-play and the stunning work rate in the breakdowns will be crucial to the Havelocks’ cause this year.
With not much experienced players in their lineup, Dushmantha Priyadharshana will be the most veteran prop-forward for Havelocks this season. He will be itching for a solid performance this season in order to stamp his authority as the no.1 prop in the island.
Two dynamic backs, Mithun Hapugoda and Dulaj Perera will be most probably out for the whole season due to injuries and their loss will be a big blow to their set-up.
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New blood
By far the best schools rugby utility back in 2014/15, former St. Peter’s College skipper Kevin Dixon will make his club debut for Havelocks this year. He is touted to be the next big thing in Sri Lanka rugby and playing for the ‘Park Club’ will no doubt boost his future. Peterite Nishon Perera will add little bit of spice into the Havelocks back line as he too is waiting in the wings to make his club debut this season.
The successful Science College captain, Lasindu Ishan Karunathilake will add the much-needed muscle power into the Havelocks third-row this year. He had an unforgettable school season by inspiringly leading Science to their first-ever under 20 trophy beating Isipathana College in the Knockouts final.
The Josephian scrum-half Vimukthi Rahula is a nippy bloke with great game sense. He will be fighting hard for a place in the starting lineup but will surely play to his strengths whenever needed. Royal second-row forward Umesh Madushan will also add little-bit depth into the Havelocks squad after an excellent school season.
Coaching Staff
The Havelock SC management has once again put their money on their2012 championship winning coach, Samoan Tavita Tulagaese also known as ‘Laga’. A vastly experienced and energetic coach will inject a lot of structure in their setup alongside his assistant, former Peterite Rajiv Perera. Ex-Havies skipper Kavinda Jayasena will be the manager of the team.
Squad
Backs- Rehan Thiyagarajah, Kevin Dixon, Eranda Weerakkody, Chamika Kusal, Nishon Perera, Randitha Warnapura, Sandun Herath (Captain), Chintaka Lahiru, Danushka Ranjan, Hirantha Perera, Thusitha Dushan, Rimzie Jamaldeen, Samantha Lakshan, Devinda Pathiranage, Rehan Weerakoon, Andrew Benson, Rahul De Silva, Vimukthi Rahula, Hiran Janith, Rizwan Meedin.
Forwards – Dushmantha Priyadharshana, Ganuka Dissanayake, Ushan Charuka, Udara Anjana, Chathuranga Mendis, Listan Flattney, Prasath Madusanka, Hastha Udyoga, Sathsara Basnayake, Jason Melder, Sithum Peiris, Shehan Dias, Gamindu Lakshan, Niraj Gunasinghe, Umesh Madhushan, Janik Jayasuriya, Danushka Malitha, Malinda Dilshan, Rohitha Rajapakse, Shenal Deelaka, Sudharshan Muthuthanthri, Lasindu Ishan Karunathilake.
