Sports

Sports

CH douse Havelocks fire
CH &FC 15, Havelocks 8
By Rangi Akbar
Three outstanding tries and a remarkable switch of fortune made the CH&FC - Havelocks first round Caltex League game outstanding from the spectators point of view at Maitland Crescent yesterday. At the end CH nosed through 15-8 due to a goal, a try and a penalty to that of a penalty and a goal by the Havelocks. At half time CH led 10-5.

CH had more possession in the set scrums and the lines out but they were unable to turn them in their favour. The outsides often ran into the scrums when the field was open or bunched together. When they did get the chance to run, the Havelocks outsides were on to them like a bunch of hornets after a pot of honey.

The game was played in fine weather before a big crowd. The match was spectacular and open and even disappointed Havelocks fans could look back with pleasure on a fine game.

Havelocks fans had plenty to cheer about in the first half as they matched the CH neck to neck. In the third minute Havelocks eased into the lead through a penalty put over by Harshana Wijeweera in the third minute. I was told that Wijeweera is a former Police player and he had donned the red and white hooped jersey as he was under suspension from the Force due to disciplinary reasons.

Whatever the cause, Police's loss is certainly CH's gain. This lad put over penalty and goal to swell CH's score, if not they would have certainly succumbed to the Havelocks yesterday.

Havelocks came under severe pressure from CH and it was a face saving kick by Wasim Thajudeen, the former Thomian player, which eased pressure for the Park Club. Thajudeen's kick sailed into CH territory and Prasad Perera was on it like a basset hound after a hare, after a brief movement, to score far left. Havelocks led 5-3 and the Park Club supporters did a near hysterical war dance with delight.

Not to be outdone the CH kept on hammering at the Havelocks defence and Senaka Bandara scored in the 27th minute for the CH off a five yard scrum. Harshana Wijeweera was spot on with the difficult conversion to put CH into the lead at 10-5. Half time was taken at this score.

The second half commenced with Senaka Bandara unleashing a run for CH. He nearly got through. The Havelocks defence went for high tackles and Bandara slipped through them easily until a desperate effort stopped him.

The pattern of play swung to and fro in the best traditions of the game until CH forced a penalty in the 30th minute. This 30 metre penalty kick was fluffed by Wijeweera.

When everything pointed to an easy CH win Havelocks came into the reckoning when Prasad Perera put over a penalty in the 27th minute to cut down the lead to 8-10.

With Havelocks striving every sinew in their bodies to topple CH, No 8 Dilanjan Jayasekera scored with a few minutes remaining, to take their score to 15.
A few minutes later referee Nizam Jamaldeen blew no side.

Next Saturday (May 9) mighty Kandy SC will make their presence felt at Havelock Park when they cross swords with Havelocks. CH should be happy with the crowd turn out yesterday. A novel way to attract spectators was the selection of the best dressed lady, the coolest guy and the best dressed chap. The prizes were by PC House, the agents for Panorama Computers.

Top