Havelocks Sports Club delivered a dominant display to overcome Police Sports Club 29 – 10 in the Maliban Clifford Cup Knockout 2026 Quarter Final at Havelock Park, booking a Semi Final clash with Kandy Sports Club.
The Havelocks made a commanding start, dominating the early proceedings with sustained attacking phases that kept the Police defence under constant pressure. The breakthrough came in the 5th minute when Udesh Madushanka sliced through on the flank to bring play within five metres. A series of quick pick-and-drives followed, culminating in Vunaki Waqanibau powering over from close range to open the scoring. Nabeel Yahiya added the conversion for a perfect start. (Havelocks 07 – 00 Police)
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Police attempted to respond, but were repeatedly denied at the line, including a crucial held-up call. After nearly 20 minutes of resolute defence, the Park Club turned pressure into points once more. From a five-metre scrum, they moved the ball wide before mixing forward carries with sharp distribution. Scrum-half Mohamed Rifan released playmaker Sudesh Jayawickrema, who delivered a perfectly timed pop pass to Dilshara Kodagoda. Running a precise angle, Kodagoda pierced the Police defensive line to score, with Yahiya converting again. (Havelocks 14 – 00 Police)
Havelocks extended their advantage minutes later when Police were penalised for failing to roll away at the tackle, allowing Yahiya to calmly slot a penalty and push the lead further. (Havelocks 17 – 00 Police)
Police finally found reward in the 26th minute. Opting for a scrum from a penalty, they moved the ball quickly to the corner, where Sujan Kodithuwakku finished well to register their first points of the match. (Havelocks 17 – 05 Police)
The visitors carried that momentum into the closing stages of the half. A well-executed rolling maul created the platform, and second-rower Heshan Kalhara broke away down the touchline with a powerful run to score, ensuring Police ended the half strongly.
Half Time: Havelocks SC 17 (2T, 2C, 1P) – Police SC 10 (2T)
Police emerged after the break with renewed intensity, throwing everything at the Havelocks defence and dominating the early exchanges. However, the Park Club held firm, producing a disciplined defensive effort that denied the visitors any scoring opportunities during this period of pressure.
Against the run of play, Havelocks struck in the 50th minute. After earning a penalty, they kicked to the corner and set up a rolling maul that proved impossible to contain. Veteran campaigner Azmir Fajudeen controlled the drive from the back and grounded the ball, extending the hosts’ lead. (Havelocks 22 – 10 Police)
With their comeback hopes fading, Police struggled to regain momentum as Havelocks tightened their grip on the contest. The Park Club put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages with a clinical finish. From a lineout, the ball was moved swiftly to the backs, where Amituanai Visesio produced a powerful carry before delivering a well-timed offload to Sudesh Jayawickrema, who raced under the posts. No. 08 Chathura Dilshan added the conversion to seal the victory and confirm Havelocks’ Semi Final clash with Kandy SC at Nittawela.
Full Time: Havelocks SC 29 (4T,3C,1P) – Police SC 10 (2T)
Swisstek Player of the Match: Sudesh Jayawickrema (Havelocks SC)
Points Breakdown
Havelocks SC 29
Vunaki Waqanibau 1T, Dilshara Kodagoda 1T, Azmir Fajudeen 1T, Sudesh Jayawickrema 1T, Nabeel Yahiya 2C, 1P, Chathura Dilshan 1C
Police SC 10
Sujan Kodithuwakku 1T, Heshan Kalhara 1T
