Havelock Sports Club will be on a mission to reclaim their pride when they face Sri Lions Sports Club in a must-watch Mastercard ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament clash at Havelock Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 pm.
Having suffered their first loss of the season last week to Kandy SC in a nail-biting 20-24 encounter, Havelocks are determined to bounce back. The Park Club, who started the season with an impressive streak of three wins against Navy SC (43-25), Air Force SC (30-14), and Police SC (17-15), stumbled against a formidable Kandy outfit. This week, they aim to restore their dominance against the unpredictable Sri Lions SC.
Sri Lions SC, despite a challenging start to their campaign with heavy losses to Kandy SC (61-14), CR & FC (39-13), and Army SC, showcased grit and determination last week by pulling off a shock 24-20 victory over CH & FC. The morale-boosting triumph makes them a dangerous opponent, capable of upsetting any team.
The Havelocks will rely on their speedy three-quarters to lead their charge. Fly half Sandesh Jayawickrama will coordinate the attack alongside centre Mushin Faleel, a former Navy SC player, and Dinupa Seneviratne, a Sri Lanka Sevens star. On the wings, Jayathu Rajaratne, who dazzled against Kandy SC with a try after a 70-metre run and Krishan Kavinda, a former Josephian, bring explosive speed. Full back Samuel Maduwantha has been a stalwart with his safe collections, tactical kicks, and pinpoint place-kicking.
Sri Lions, captained by fullback Kevin Dixon, will rely on their robust forward pack and a balanced backline. Flanker Shehan Dias, prop Dushmantha Priyadarshana, and No. 8 Dulaj Navodya will lead the charge upfront. In the backline, the experienced skipper Kevin Dixon, centres Ramesh Ramdas and Dinuk Amarasinghe, and winger Kaveesha Induranga will be crucial.
For Havelocks, this match is about proving their mettle and maintaining their title ambitions. A win will reaffirm their position as serious contenders. On the other hand, Sri Lions, fresh after their giant-killing performance, will be eager to sustain their newfound momentum and make a mark in their debut league season.
The teams:
Havelock SC: Senura Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Abdullah Faiz captain, Janidu Fernando, Thiven Perera, Shem Mendis, Shenal Deelaka, Chathura Dilshan, Mohamed Rifan, and Sandesh Jayawickrama, Jayathu Rajaratne, Mushin Faleel, Dinupa Seneviratne, Keshan Kavinda, Samuel Maduwantha.
Sri Lions SC:– Dushmantha Priyadarshana,Prasad Madusanka, Ranithu Rithmal, G Lakshan A Fernando, M Niswan, Shehan Dias, Dulaj Navoyda, Raveen Fernando, and Chanaka Chandimal, Kaveesha Induranga, Dinuk Amarasinghe, Ramesh Randas, L Ariyapala, Kevin Dixon captain.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY