Havelock Sports Club will aim for a strong start to their 2024-2025 League Rugby season when they take on a youthful Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club in their Mastercard ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament opener today at 4 p m at Welisara.
The Park Club will be captained by former Peterite prop Faiz Abdullah. They bring a wealth of experience with players like last season’s skipper Azmir Fajudeen, Janidu Fernando, Shenal Deelaka, and Chathura Dilshan. This seasoned forward line up will look to dominate the set pieces and gain valuable territory.
Havelocks’ back division features a reliable halves pairing of scrum-half Rifan Mohamed and fly-half Sandesh Jayawickrama, a former Peterite captain. In the midfield, hard-running centres Sri Lanka sevens player Dinupa Seneviratne and CR and Navy’s ex-star Mushn Faleel add attacking flair. On the wings, Jayathu Rajaratne and former Josephian Keshan Kavinda provide pace and finishing power.
Former Antonian and CH & FC veteran Samuel Maduwantha will man the last line of defence. His safe hands, precise kicks to touch, and consistent place-kicking will be key assets for the Park Club. The park club is coached by former Vidyartha Havelocks Kandy SC and Sri Lanka full back Saliya Kumara assisted by former Isipathana CR and Sri Lanka prop forward Danushka Boteju.
Sri Lanka Navy SC, led by seasoned prop Stephan Gregory, will field a largely fresh squad. Vice-captain Isuru Kongahawatte, serving as the fly-half and place-kicker, will play a crucial role in guiding their backline. Despite their inexperience, Navy is determined to challenge Havelocks with spirited play.
The Sailors’ coaching team is led by former Sri Lanka and Vidyartha College Number 8 Sumedha Malawana, assisted by Chandimal de Silva and Kosala Tissera. Former Army, and Sri Lanka Sevens winger Saliya Handapangoda serves as the team’s trainer, focusing on fitness and agility.
The Navy rugby administration is headed by Commodore Sanath Pitigala, with Commodore Thusitha Abeysundara as secretary and Lt. Commander Rasanga Abeyrattne as team manager.
Havelock SC squad: Faiz Abdullah (captain), Azmir Fajudeen, Gihan Silva, Janidu Fernando, Thiven Perera, Shehan Deelaka, Shem Mendis, Chathura Dilshan, Rifan Mohamed, and Sandesh Jayawickrama, Jayathu Rajaratna, Mushin Faleel, Dinupa Seneviratne, Keshan Kavinda, Samuel Maduwantha.
Reserves: Charana Senanayake, Christian de Lile, Udara Lakshan, Sachinthana Wainyananatha, Hirusha Perera, Tharindu Hettiarachchi, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Chethana Rajaratne.
Sri Lanka Navy SC squad: Stephan Gregory (captain), Isuru Kongahawatte (vice captain), Bathiya Samaraweera, Pramudith Epa, Sajith Seram, Janitha Rajanayake, Inesh Hannadige, Himanka Dhananjaya, Manula Jayasena, Anushka Ramesh, Jayalal Udayashantha, Roshan Sanjeewa, Achala Shiwantha, Sudeera Sankalpa, Indika Jayawardena.
Reserves: Namal Monarawila, Nirosh Keerthiratne,Kasun Thilakaratne, Tharindu Perera, Lankeshwara de Silva, Gayan Ariyaratne, Chamika Kuamra.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY