Humdinger of a game saw Havelocks beat Army. Fijian legend Rupeni Caucau graces the Dialog Rugby League turning out for Army. Sharks record first win while Kandy remain on top.
Army v Havelocks
Havies displayed clearly how they would use their speedsters from the corner gates. Mithun Hapugoda joining the line on the attack from the full back position gave them so much strength and opportunities for a threatening attack.
During the scrums rucks and breakdowns, they moved the ball to either corner with a great strategy in attack just like in the above graphic. As a result Sandun Herath scored the first try in the corner. Dulaj Perera presented a mixed performance missing easy penalties and converting the hard ones. However it was a great physical battle by both the sides with a hunger to win. Most interesting fact is that Havelock’s have earned 6 bonus points out of 6 games including two losing bonus points. This will help them in a big way with the season moving on to the second round.
Army trailing 08 – 19 at the half time would have still been a hopeful camp, remembering the comeback win against Kandy previously. Their powerful No8 Pio Tuwai did not play but they made the change as their new recruit who played the 1999 World Cup for Fiji Rupeni Caucaunibuca coming on as a centre. On the other hand Sanivilati Ramuwai was the huge threat for the men in pink as he made the most number of yards for the Soldiers. Nevertheless, Army made errors with position including Rupeni making two vital knock-ons. Credit to Havies defense especially for the center pair Villiami Tahitua and Danushka Ranjan where they made no room for their opposite numbers.
Army implemented a great ploy from their scrum to fox the visitors which did go well, but not too well when Rupeni made a 40m run and lost the ball position. Just as in the below graphic during the scrum in the second half, Ramuwai and Rohitha Rajapaksa crossed position where Ramuwai joined Rupeni in support which initially led for a great territorial run.
The Army could have won the match. It was the unforced errors and some decision making during the pressure situations that cost them. It was good to see Rohitha Rajapaksa hitting the first drop goal of the season but it came when Havies were leading 26 – 11 in the final quarter; but it could be argued if it was the best decision. In the dying stages Havelocks went down to 13 men with Dilan Warnakulasooriya being sin binned followed by captain Sudarshana Muthuthantri. The visitors did not panic with the defense and held their nerve to finally win it 26 – 17 earning a deserved rest as a bye for week 7. Army on the other hand will have to pull-out all stops to take on Navy and that will be a cracker. The cynosure of all eyes will be the Rajapaksa brothers with their teams taking each other for the first time in XV format.
Talking Points : Havies line is a threat – Rohitha’s first drop goal of the season – Ramuwai & Rupeni combo
Kandy v Police
Lavanga Perera showed great courage and determination as he was over the moon with his first club rugby hat-trick. He was celebrating jubilantly coming out the hero in front of screaming home crowds. It was attack and counter attack in the first half and it was not much a gap when teams went to the break as it was 10 -05 to Kandy. Both teams showed great intensity in running rugby. Oscar Oumar and Gayan Weerarathne gelled well in the centre position. Nevertheless it was the Police mistake which was countered in to points by Kandy despite their menacing attacking pattern in the second half.
Apisai Nagaliva was the most influential steering the cops; he made two rigid tries. Also Apisai played the sevens game most of the time stepping and running sideways and looking for off loads.
Having said that, this chip by Apisai baffled Ouma and Weerarathne and Hashan Gomes and Samantha Lakshan (Sami) had the chance to score the try but Gomes knocked it on and Ouma who chased from behind picked the loose ball and ran in to score five points.
You simply cannot make too many mistakes when you play against Kandy. The hosts capitalized all the given chances in to points. Paul Tuimalo the Kenyan centre for Police made his first try with his first touch; may be Police should have used him in the first half instead of keeping him on the bench.
Roshan Weerarathne is outstanding with his box kicks which makes Fazil Marija’s job even easier. Nigel Ratwatte was outstanding with his defensive tackles. Even though he was always isolated at the full back position, he had around 90% tackle success rate which is great. Kandy remains on top of the league and will take on their arch rivals CR&FC in the weekend at home whilst Police hosts CH&FC. The cops certainly need to work on their inconsistency as they are a strong team to finish 4th in the league.
Talking points : Lavanga hat-trick – Nigel’s brilliant defense – rest of the Police needs to support Apisai
CH&FC v Sharks
It is the battle between the youngsters, both team looked Even – Steven but ultimately Sharks tasted their first victory of this season. Wagavulagi Emori the Fijian – Tuskers wing was astounding for Sharks and also his brother Stephen Situweni was too good as brothers scored 2 tries each.
CH&FC has to blame themselves for poor decision making and basic errors. Rimzie Jamaldeen showing some forms but not that accurate. CH&FC having issues with so many injuries especially Mushin Faleel’s absence played a big part. Faleel was outstanding with his attack and defense so far in the season. However, Bilal yousuf’s boys had a bad time with high balls and keeping position.
Sharks a superb show, veteran Amjad Buksh guided the team with his experience kicking almost all the kicks. Emori brothers read the game well; Joseph Dunn coming in the second half Sharks became even stronger. At one stage Sharks were leading 38 – 20 but hosts CH were able to close it up with 12 more points with that note Sharks need to consider their defense in the dying stages.
Talking points : Emori brothers – CH Injuries and not enough depth in bench – Sharks 1st win
Air Force v Navy
Sailors also had a bonus point win over the airmen but injuries keeps bothering them. Chanaka Chandimal is back after his ankle injury in week 1 but Srinath Sooriyabandara have to wait another 3 weeks to overcome his knee injury also Chamara Dabare is injured. Navy has a good depth in the bench Saliya Handapangoda and Vishwamithra Jayasinghe added the spark in the field from their given opportunity.
Dinusha Chathuranga coming in to form is vital and week by week he is ticking his try scoring run. Henry Terrance the big prop forward enjoyed his two tries. Rizah Mubarak kicked 5 out of 6 conversions. Joeli Lutumalagi and Setefano Cakau were rested.
Air force still needs to get gel with their foreigners despite their valiant effort; Vilikesa Koilagi scored a brilliant try this was his second after scoring last week against Army on his Lankan debut. Charith Senavirathne maintained a good form with his kicking and he has scored
Talking Points : Chathuranga’s good form – Soori injured – Air force needs to gel with foreigners.
