Havies should continue to snap at Kandy’s heels
Havelocks Sports Club (Havelocks), who are currently behind Kandy Sports Club (Kandy) in the table by a mere 3 points, will have to make sure they continue their winning streak (post Nittawela!). If they keep winning, with a bonus point to boot, they could be in a position to challenge Kandy in a winner-takes-all encounter at the Park in 3 weeks time.
However, Air Force Sports Club (SLAF) cannot be taken for granted, despite the fact that they have lost 9 games out of 10 played. They broke their duck with a win against Police, and this should put them in a slightly better frame of mind. More than that, the SLAF have lost around 4 games by a margin of 9 points or less. Putting it differently, they haven’t lost by a mile.
One of SLAF’s important acquisitions has been their forward Thilina Bandara. A product of a lesser known Rugby-playing school in Kandy, Bandara did an excellent job for his team in the Kandy game. Not only did he claim more than his fair share of ‘line out ball’, but he also initiated attacks and was there in defence as well.
One swallow does not make a summer, however, and the other teammates will have to put their hands up and show the same commitment and efficiency. Among the others in the pack, hooker Parakrama Ratnayake, flanker Romesh Wasantha and No.8 Sarala Werella have pulled their weight.
The Back division has been efficient, without being brilliant. The experienced Charith Seneviratne stands out, while Jehan Seelagama has been good in patches. Gayantha Iddamalgoda, who hasn’t had a bad game so far, is at the heart of all their attacks. Scrum-half Nuwan Perera seems to have hit his straps recently. Soorya Krishan and Rumesh Ramdas have the experience to take the Havies head on.
The Havies Back division, comprising Chamara Dabare, Dinuk Amerasinghe, Imanga Ariyapala and Sandun Herath, can be quite formidable when on fire. The Mithun Hapugoda-Niroshan Fernando combination is getting along well, while Full-back Reza Mubarak has done a commendable job so far.
The real strength of the Havies lies in their Pack. Dushmantha Priyadarshana, Liston Flatny, Lasindu Ishan (unfortunately suspended) are there in defence as well as in offence. Azmir Fajudeen has made it a habit of sneaking through when he finds himself close to the goal-line.
Well-drilled by coach Sanath Martis, the Havies know the importance of every game. They will certainly not be taking their foot off the pedal.