Havelocks Sports Club edged past CH & FC with a hard-fought 27-21 victory in their seventh-week clash of the Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25, held at the Racecourse Stadium.
Inconsistent CH & FC were eager to secure a much-needed win as they hosted Havelocks to kick off the Week 7 clash. Adding to the occasion’s significance, this match marked the inaugural Y.C. Chang challenge Trophy, a tribute to the late Mr. Y.C. Chang—a towering figure in Sri Lankan Rugby.
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Havelocks endured early pressure from CH & FC, holding them scoreless in the opening ten minutes. When their opportunity came, Sudesh Jayawickrema broke through CH’s defense, bringing play near the 5-meter line. Quick recycling by Mohamed Rifan and sharp passing by the backs created space for winger Jayathu Rajarathne to cross over for the opening try, with Sandesh Jayawickrema adding the conversion. (CH 00-07 Havelocks)
CH & FC found the spark they needed through Pasindu Bandara, whose powerful run brought play into the 22-meter area. The forwards maintained the pressure and earned a penalty, which they kicked to the corner to set up a rolling maul. Gimhana Silva broke away from the pack, powering over the line for the home side’s first try. Maliksha Perera’s accurate conversion leveled the scores. (CH 07-07 Havelocks)
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CH continued their momentum as the forwards patiently built-up play before spreading the ball wide. Flanker Udesh Madushanka broke through the first line of defense, drew the last defender, and offloaded to winger Ramesh Fernando, who crossed for their second try. Maliksha Perera added the conversion, extending CH’s lead. (CH 14-07 Havelocks)
Havelocks wasted no time responding, erasing the lead just two minutes later with a bold decision to run from a penalty. Towering second-rower Janindu Fernando powered through two defenders and charged over to score under the posts. Sandesh Jayawickrema added the easy conversion. On the brink of Half Time, Jayawickrema slotted a 42-meter penalty to edge the Havelocks into the lead heading into the break.
Half Time: CH & FC 14 (2T,2C) – Havelocks SC 17 (2T,2C,1P)
The hosts came out firing in the second half, dominating proceedings. After several determined efforts, they finally broke through the Havelocks defence when Pasindu Bandara delivered a long cut-out pass to winger Ramesh Fernando, who powered past the last defenders to score his second try. Maliksha Perera nailed a flawless conversion from the corner, giving CH a slender lead. (CH 21-17 Havelocks)
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The Havelocks responded with determination, patiently building up play from the 22-meter line. Combining their forwards’ strength with their backs’ precision, they sustained continuous phases before the powerful Janindu Fernando made a strong carry, crossing the line to restore the lead for the visitors. (CH 21-22 Havelocks)
CH gained a numerical advantage when Udara Lakshan was sent to the bin for collapsing a maul, creating more attacking opportunities for the hosts. However, they failed to capitalise as Havelocks’ defence held firm. The visitors made the most of their chances on the other end, exploiting a penalty advantage. Sandesh Jayawickrema executed a precise looped cross-kick, and Jayathu Rajarathne won the aerial battle to score his second and secure the bonus-point try for the Park Club. (CH 21-27 Havelocks)
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Trailing by 6 points, CH had two penalty opportunities and opted for touch each time. However, the kicks were overcooked twice. On the third attempt, they managed to kick for touch, but the line-out was overthrown. With one final chance, they kicked to the corner again and attacked relentlessly through pick-and-drives, but the Havelocks’ defence held firm. Despite their efforts, CH were unable to break the line, and the Havelocks secured the win, claiming the Y. C. Chang Challenge Trophy.
Full Time: CH & FC 21 (3T,3C) – Havelocks SC 27 (4T,2C,1P)
Player of the Match: Jayathu Rajarathne (Havelocks SC)
Points Breakdown
CH & FC 21
Gimhana Silva 1T, Ramesh Fernando 2T, Maliksha Perera 3C
Havelocks SC 27
Jayathu Rajarathne 2T, Janindu Fernando 1T, Sandesh Jayawickrema 2C,1P
