CR & FC hand Havelock their first defeat

CR & FC hooker Venura Kodagoda (C) held by Havies players  (Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana)

CR & FC brought an end to Havelock SC’s unbeaten run with a 33-point (5 tries, 4 conversions) to 14-point (2 tries, 2 conversions) victory in their Inter Club Rugby League first-round encounter played under lights at Longdon Place last night.

While the Reds secured a valuable bonus-point win, their overall performance was workmanlike rather than dominant, falling short of the polished standard expected of a championship-contending side.

CR led 14-7 at the short breather. 

This encounter was the first leg of the Col. Easter Matthysz Trophy, with CR leading the tally with 15 wins to Havies’ 5.

CR made better use of territory and possession in a tightly contested opening half. Havelock, on the other hand, struggled to convert pressure into points and allowed frustration to creep into their game, frequently questioning the referee’s decisions and losing focus at key moments of the game.

The Reds opened the scoring in the 18th minute through a sweeping three-quarter move, with Thenuka Nanayakkara finishing in style and adding the conversion. CR struck again soon after, this time through an unexpected source, as fullback Mursheed Doray capped and got caught in a strong forwards’ surge to touch down, with Nanayakkara once again accurate off the tee.

Havelock responded through hooker Azmir Fajudeen, who enjoyed an excellent game and was rewarded with a well-earned try. Samuel Maduwantha added the extras, but earlier in the half he had missed a crucial 40-metre penalty, a lapse that denied the Park Club valuable points in a closely fought contest.

The second half saw CR gradually assert greater control, despite discipline issues. Shenal Adikaram was sent off for stamping, while hooker Manilka Ruberu spent time in the sin bin, moments that disrupted the Reds’ rhythm. Mohamed Rifan, usually influential at the base, endured a quieter outing by his own high standards.

Fijian forward Enesi Waqanisau powered over early in the second half, with Nanayakkara converting, before winger Chamod Muthunayake added another as CR stretched their lead. Havelock briefly lifted through a try by replacement Amituanai Visesio, converted by Yehan Bulathsinghalage.

Lasindu Karunathilake sealed the result with CR’s final try, confirming a deserved win that ended Havelock’s unbeaten run. Referee Suranga Arunashantha maintained control throughout, as CR claimed the points, though with clear areas to improve going forward. 

As the league progresses, only two teams remain unbeaten as of now -- the defending champions, Kandy SC, and CH & FC.

•Courtesy from https://www.dailymirror.lk/

https://www.dailymirror.lk/sports/CR-FC-hand-Havelock-their-first-defeat/244-329411